Speed has always been at the heart of MotoGP, where riders and machines push the limits of performance in pursuit of glory. Over the years, the premier class of motorcycle racing has witnessed some breathtaking lap times that have redefined what is possible on two wheels. These performances not only showcase peak speed but also mark historic milestones in the championship.
5. Maverick Vinales: 1:28.93
- Grand Prix: Valencian Grand Prix
- Circuit: Circuit Ricardo Tormo
- Manufacturer: Aprilla
- Season: 2023
Vinales stole the show in the qualifying to take pole in the final Grand Prix of the 2023 season. His record fast lap of 1:28.93 is the first sub 1:29 lap at Valencia and earned him his first pole position with Aprilla.
4. Francesco Bagnaia: 1:28.700
- Grand Prix: Thailand Grand Prix
- Circuit: Chang International Circuit
- Manufacturer: Ducati
- Season: 2024
In the second qualifying session, Francesco Bagnaia became the first rider to dip below 89 seconds in Buriram with a time of 1:28.700 on his sixth lap. He smashed the lap record at the Buriram International Circuit twice; his first timing was 1:29.076.
3. Jorge Martin: 1:27.748
- Grand Prix: Austrian Grand Prix
- Circuit: Red Bull Ring
- Manufacturer: Ducati
- Season: 2024
Jorge Martin, racing for Prima Pramac Racing, destroyed the lap record at the Red Bull Ring, setting a magical 1:27.748. He became the first rider to enter the 1:27 bracket.
2. Jorge Martin: 1:27.246
- Grand Prix: Australian Grand Prix
- Circuit: Phillip Island
- Manufacturer: Ducati
- Season: 2023
At one of the most iconic and challenging tracks, Martin again stamped his authority. He set the best time of the weekend (1:27.869) with his first flying lap in Q2. He returned to blast a new lap record of 1:27.246, smashing the one he set last year on his way to pole
1. Jorge Martin: 1:19.423
- Grand Prix: German Grand Prix
- Circuit: Sachsenring
- Manufacturer: Ducati
- Season: 2024
Prima Pramac Racing’s Martin recorded the fastest time of 1:19.423, less than five-hundredths of a second faster than Miguel Oliveira. It was a record-breaking qualifying session as nine riders finished inside the 1:20 mark.
Conclusion
These five laps are more than just numbers on a stopwatch. They represent moments where the riders transcend the limits of their machines and the circuits. Every time a rider shaves off even a fraction of a second, they etch their name into the sport’s history, raising the bar for those who follow.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
