The initial Q1 phase of the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying saw Raúl Fernández and Fermín Aldeguer emerge as the quickest riders, setting the pace for the session. Miguel Oliveira, despite his efforts, failed to secure a top-two spot, ending eighth and relegated to start 18th on the grid. The competition was intense as several riders vied for a chance to advance into Q2 and contend for pole position.
Key Contenders Battle for Q2 Advancement
Riders such as Enea Bastianini, Brad Binder, Joan Mir, Jack Miller, alongside Fernández and Aldeguer, pushed hard in the opening minutes to secure their place in Q2. Fernández set an early benchmark, narrowly leading Ai Ogura, with Miller closely behind. Oliveira briefly moved up to fourth but fell back to fifth before ultimately finishing eighth.
Joan Mir demonstrated impressive pace, climbing to second place, trailing Fernández by just 0.164 seconds. The session’s intensity heightened when Ai Ogura crashed in the opposite direction, prompting yellow flags and disrupting some riders’ laps.
Incident Between Rins and Bastianini Under Review
A contentious moment unfolded between Álex Rins and Enea Bastianini. On a key lap, Bastianini went wide on the straight and then returned to impede Rins’s fast lap, which sparked a heated exchange during the session. The stewards announced they would investigate the incident to determine if any penalty was warranted.
Aldeguer Challenges for the Top Spot in Final Laps
As the session progressed, Aldeguer made a decisive move, becoming the only Ducati rider in Q1 and posting a strong lap that pushed Fernández into second place temporarily. Jack Miller, Brad Binder, and Aldeguer all recorded red sector times, signaling peak performance and a fierce battle for qualifying positions.
Miller held third place for much of the session but ultimately dropped out of contention for Q2 after losing time on his final runs. Fernández and Mir, meanwhile, exchanged fastest sectors, with Fernández eventually clinching the top Q1 time by a narrow margin of 0.040 seconds over Aldeguer.
Implications for the Dutch Grand Prix Grid and Race Prospects
Fernández’s pace guarantees him a place in Q2 alongside Aldeguer, who also impressed with his attack on the track. Joan Mir’s speed demonstrated potential, yet he fell just short of leading the session. Oliveira’s disappointing qualifying position will require a strong race to recover. The stewards’ review of the Rins-Bastianini incident may influence starting positions or impose penalties, adding another layer of anticipation ahead of the race.
This qualifying phase sets up a tense race day at the Dutch Grand Prix, where every fraction of a second will count amidst a competitive field eager to maximize their grid positions. Joan Mir’s performance highlights his capability, even as Fernández and Aldeguer take the spotlight in this qualifying phase.
