Jorge Martin secured pole position at the Dutch MotoGP in Assen on June 27, his first pole of the 2026 season and first since the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, ending a wait of over 600 days [1, 2, 3]. Martin edged out teammate Marco Bezzecchi, who had led early in qualifying and entered Assen with an eight-point lead in the championship after being banned from the Brno GP [1, 2, 3]. Ai Ogura qualified second for Trackhouse, just 0.011 seconds behind Martin, while Raul Fernandez initially took provisional pole but dropped to fourth after a lap was deleted for exceeding track limits [1, 2].
Aprilia locked out the front two rows as Bezzecchi and Fernandez joined Martin and Ogura in occupying the top four qualifying spots [1, 2, 3]. Ducati riders Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio qualified fifth and sixth respectively [3]. Defending champion Marc Marquez qualified seventh, his worst result this season, after two laps were canceled for exceeding track limits [1, 2, 3]. Pedro Acosta starts eighth following technical issues with his KTM bike during qualifying and practice sessions [1, 2].
Alex Marquez crashed during Friday practice and did not participate in qualifying; his status for the rest of the weekend remains undetermined [1, 2].
Martin called the pole at Assen, "the Cathedral," one of the biggest moments of his career and said it would be a difficult race but expressed happiness that they are closing the gap [1]. Bezzecchi said, "The first row is super important. Qualifying was so good. Unfortunately, I met a yellow flag in my best attempt today. But I am very happy and proud of all the guys who have worked this weekend" [1].
Six riders qualified within 0.143 seconds, demonstrating a tightly contested field [3]. Martin now holds 21 career pole positions [3]. The Dutch MotoGP race follows qualifying and will test whether Martin and Aprilia can maintain their advantage on race day [1, 2, 3].
