Brazil Qualifying 1

Johann Zarco and Francesco Bagnaia successfully navigated a pressure-cooker Q1 session at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna, securing their passage into the pole position shootout. The session was defined by a late-lap scramble as track conditions continued to improve following early morning dampness.

Zarco, riding the LCR Honda, set the benchmark with a 1:18.065 to top the session, showcasing impressive adaptability on the tight Brazilian layout. The battle for the final transfer spot was a dramatic affair between the factory Ducati teammates.

Francesco Bagnaia managed to find a clear window in the closing seconds, posting a 1:18.122 to edge out Enea Bastianini by less than a tenth of a second. Bastianini will subsequently start 13th on the grid after failing to improve on his final attempt.

Other notable riders who fell short included home hero Diogo Moreira, who will start 14th in his debut home Grand Prix, and Fabio Quartararo, who struggled with front-end feel on his Yamaha throughout the short session.