Marc Márquez qualified 12th at the Ducati ‘Race of Champions’ on June 29, 2026, while Superbike rider Nicolo Bulega snatched pole with a 1:34.386 lap. The Spanish MotoGP champion now faces a tough challenge to climb the order in the Misano showdown.
What happened at Misano?
The World Ducati Weekend turned Misano into a battlefield for Ducati’s elite across MotoGP, World Superbike and national series. All competitors rode the V4S machine, and the qualifying session set the stage. Bulega topped the timesheets, posting a 1:34.386 lap to secure pole. Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP champion, was third, while Marc Márquez recorded a 1:36.625 lap, landing him in 12th place among 16 starters.
Why does the 12th place matter for Marc Márquez?
Márquez’s 12th‑place start highlights a gap between the MotoGP factory squad and the Superbike contingent on this particular track. The Spanish rider, who usually fights at the front of the grid, struggled to match the pace of his Ducati teammates and the Superbike specialists. A lower grid position forces him to navigate traffic, increasing the risk of losing time and points in a race that doubles as a brand showcase.
How will Marc Márquez respond?
Márquez is known for aggressive overtaking and tire management. Starting from the middle of the pack, he will need to exploit the V4S’s power on the long Misano straights while staying clear of the tighter corners where the Superbike riders excel. His experience in mixed‑field events could give him an edge, but the clock will be ticking as the race begins at 12:15 pm.
What’s next for the Ducati ‘Race of Champions’?
The race will be broadcast live from 12 noon, offering fans a chance to see whether the MotoGP stars can reclaim ground. Marc Márquez, Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio must convert their qualifying positions into podium finishes to demonstrate Ducati’s dominance across categories. The outcome will also influence team strategies ahead of the next MotoGP round, where Márquez aims to return to the front of the grid.
Who else stood out in qualifying?
Besides Bulega’s pole, Luca Baldassarri was second with a 1:34.454 lap, and Bagnaia’s 1:34.614 placed him solidly on the podium. VR46 teammates Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio filled the sixth and seventh spots respectively. Injured Gresini riders Fermin Aldeguer and Alex Márquez missed the session entirely, leaving the field open for fresh challengers.
The Misano event not only celebrates Ducati’s 100‑year anniversary but also serves as a litmus test for the brand’s cross‑disciplinary talent. Marc Márquez’s performance will be scrutinized by fans and rivals alike, as he seeks to turn a modest qualifying effort into a strong race result.