Raul Fernandez delivered another outstanding performance and won the MotoGP Sprint at the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen. The Spanish rider controlled the race from the opening laps and led Trackhouse Aprilia to its first-ever one-two finish in a Sprint race, with teammate Ai Ogura taking second place. Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the podium for VR46 Ducati.
High temperatures challenged the riders throughout the afternoon, with the air reaching 33°C and the track surface climbing to 49°C. The grid also missed two regular competitors. Fermin Aldeguer could not race after he suffered a T7 vertebra fracture on Friday, while Cal Crutchlow replaced Johann Zarco at LCR Honda. Augusto Fernandez joined the race as a Yamaha wildcard. Almost every rider selected a medium front tyre and a soft rear.
Jorge Martin made a strong start from pole position, but Fernandez quickly moved into contention. Joan Mir crashed at Turn 4 on the opening lap, while Di Giannantonio climbed into the leading group. Marc Marquez settled into sixth place ahead of Francesco Bagnaia, and Pedro Acosta lost several positions after he ran wide during the opening laps.
Fernandez attacked Martin early in the race, took the lead, and immediately built a small advantage. Behind him, Ogura fought through the field, passed Di Giannantonio, and secured second place to complete a memorable result for the American Trackhouse team. Di Giannantonio held on to third, Marco Bezzecchi finished fourth, and Martin crossed the line in fifth after he lost ground during the second half of the Sprint. Marc Marquez claimed sixth after a penalty dropped Bagnaia behind him.
The result strengthened Fernandez’s reputation as one of MotoGP’s most improved riders in 2026. His second Sprint victory of the season confirmed both his excellent form and Trackhouse Aprilia’s growing competitiveness as the championship heads into the second half of the campaign.