The Spaniard clocked 1:28.852 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit to claim pole by 0.109 seconds from factory Aprilia rider Bezzecchi, while Di Giannantonio completed the front row in third.
The result marked a major milestone for Fernández, who had already demonstrated his speed by setting the fastest time in Friday’s practice session.
Fernández delivers when it matters
Fernández carried his practice pace into qualifying, remaining competitive as the leading riders battled for the best position on the grid.
Bezzecchi appeared capable of challenging for pole after posting a rapid lap, but yellow flags following a crash involving Fermín Aldeguer interrupted his final attempt.
Fernández took advantage of the opportunity, setting the decisive time of 1:28.852 to secure the top spot.
The achievement gives the Trackhouse rider a valuable opportunity to fight for victory at a circuit where qualifying position can play an important role in the outcome.
Márquez beats championship leader Martín
The qualifying result also added intrigue to the championship battle, with Marc Márquez finishing fourth and Jorge Martín taking fifth.
Márquez, riding for Ducati Lenovo Team, was 0.266 seconds behind Fernández, while Martín was 0.300 seconds off the pole time.
The two championship contenders will therefore start alongside each other on the second row, setting up an important contest as they continue their fight for the 2026 title.
With the points gap between them narrow, both riders will be aware that a strong result in Indonesia could have significant implications for the championship.
Bezzecchi and Di Giannantonio complete the front row
Bezzecchi’s second-place finish ensured Aprilia had a strong presence at the front, while Di Giannantonio secured third for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team.
Fermín Aldeguer qualified sixth despite crashing during the session, while Fernández’s Trackhouse teammate Ai Ogura recovered from a crash in Q1 to claim seventh.
The qualifying session featured several incidents, but Fernández maintained his composure to secure the biggest achievement of his MotoGP career so far.
Sprint and Grand Prix offer fresh opportunities
Fernández’s pole position puts him in a strong position for the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend, although converting it into victory will require another composed performance.
The sprint race and Sunday’s main event offer opportunities for the leading riders to score valuable points, with Márquez and Martín both looking to gain an advantage in their championship contest.
For Fernández, the immediate objective will be to turn his maiden pole into a memorable result at Mandalika and challenge the established title contenders for victory.