Aprilia's Espargaro breaks lap record at British Grand Prix

Ducati's Bagnaia appeared poised to claim pole with an impressive lap time but was ultimately surpassed by Espargaro's late surge in the second qualifying round.

Espargaro, who announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2024 season in May, achieved the fastest time of 1:57.309.

"This lap was incredible," Espargaro remarked. "I took significant risks. It was not my intention to take such risks."

"I executed a strong lap with the first soft tire... then I told myself to go all out or not at all... The lap was simply flawless... an extraordinary performance given the conditions."

Ducati's Enea Bastianini secured the third-fastest time, while Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing, a contender for the world championship who will transition to Aprilia in the 2025 season, finished fourth despite demonstrating strong pace during practice.

Martin is currently trailing Bagnaia by 10 points in the championship standings and will have a chance to narrow that margin during the sprint later on Saturday.

Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez of Gresini Racing, who is third in the championship, placed seventh.

The top 12 was completed by Alex Marquez, Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, Pedro Acosta, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Jack Miller, and Marco Bezzecchi.