The European tour of MotoGP continues with the championship’s only French stop: it’s a home battle for the Marquez brothers, with Bagnaia in pursuit.
The legendary Le Mans circuit is ready to host the MotoGP for the twenty-fifth consecutive time: a regular event that delivers excitement and drama every year. On a track steeped in history, a high-tension weekend is expected, with many riders ready to fight for glory, corner after corner.
Let’s start with the Marquez family: after his extraordinary victory in Jerez, Alex is once again ahead of his brother and is more aware than ever of his potential at this point in his career. That said, the #93 of the championship remains the favorite to win, already boasting three victories and four pole positions on the French track (only Jorge Lorenzo has done better).
All eyes are also on Jack Miller, Enea Bastianini, and Marco Bezzecchi, winners of the French Grand Prix from 2021 to 2023. None of the three are currently going through a particularly positive period, but returning to a track that has brought them great joy in the past could have a positive impact on their performance.
And of course, we can’t forget “El Diablo”: the home rider at Le Mans and fresh off a pole position and podium in Spain. Fabio Quartararo is surely determined to achieve another strong result in front of his home fans. Also, Yamaha will see the return of Miguel Oliveira.
Let’s now take a look at the weather and the MotoGP schedule in France.
MotoGP Schedule in France
FRIDAY, MAY 9
10:45 – Free Practice 1 (FP1)
15:00 – Practice (PR)
SATURDAY, MAY 10
10:10 – Free Practice 2 (FP2)
10:50 – Qualifying Q1 (live on TV8)
11:15 – Qualifying Q2 (live on TV8)
15:00 – Sprint Race (live on TV8)
SUNDAY, MAY 11
9:40 – Warm up
14:00 – Race (delayed broadcast on TV8 at 17:05)
As for the weather, clear skies are expected on both Saturday and Sunday, although temperatures are not expected to be particularly high. The main concern is Friday afternoon, as there is currently a risk of rain during the Practice sessions, which could potentially shake things up heading into qualifying.
Photo: Fabio Quartararo