Friday at the 2026 Red Bull Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix delivered everything that makes Phillip Island special. Check out our wrap up, video with fan interviews, and some great images... Photos/Footage: AGP Corp, MotoGP Press

Friday at the 2026 Red Bull Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix delivered everything that makes Phillip Island special, with world-class racing, spectacular entertainment and thousands of passionate fans turning out to enjoy the action…

With the championship battle tightening at the top, the pressure was on as riders took to the iconic circuit for the opening day of practice. Two red flags, multiple crashes and a frantic final few minutes made for a dramatic afternoon in the premier class, while the off-track entertainment ensured there was plenty happening around the venue.

Bezzecchi Leads the MotoGP Charge
Marco Bezzecchi bounced back from an early crash to set the fastest time in MotoGP Practice, posting a 1:26.775 that nobody could beat. Raul Fernandez finished second, with reigning World Champion Marc Marquez third as Aprilia made a statement by placing four riders inside the top five.

Jorge Martin, the championship leader, finished fifth and remained firmly in the title fight, with just two points separating him from Marquez heading into the Australian round. With the championship stakes so high, Friday’s results set the scene for an intriguing qualifying session and Sprint on Saturday.

The session wasn’t without its unusual moments. Jack Miller suffered another fall at Turn 6, while a wallaby venturing onto the circuit brought out a second red flag. Alex Marquez also crashed late in the session, adding to an eventful afternoon on the Island.

Aussies on the Pace
Australian fans had plenty to cheer about across the support categories. Senna Agius delivered an impressive performance in Moto2 Practice, finishing second behind Izan Guevara by just 0.018 seconds. David Alonso rounded out the top three.

Read all the full results for the day here…

In Moto3, home favourite Joel Kelso also finished second, narrowly missing out on the top spot to Alvaro Carpe by just 0.026 seconds. Both Australians put themselves in a strong position heading into Saturday’s qualifying sessions.

More Than Just Racing
Away from the circuit, Friday was all about the atmosphere that makes the Australian Grand Prix a favourite among motorcycle fans. The grandstands and spectator areas filled with race fans soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the entertainment and taking in the unique coastal setting.

The aerial display provided spectacular sights above the circuit, with the stunt plane carving through the sky and trailing smoke over the action below. Meanwhile, the monster trucks brought plenty of noise, dust and excitement for fans looking for something different between sessions.

From the sound of MotoGP machinery at full throttle to the buzz of the crowds, there was no shortage of action on or off the track. With qualifying, the MotoGP Sprint and more racing still to come, Saturday promises another big day at Phillip Island. The title contenders are ready to fight, the Aussies are looking strong, and the fans are certainly getting their money’s worth.

Stay tuned to BikeReview.com.au for more coverage from the 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Red Bull Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Friday Gallery

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