Francesco Bagnaia topped MotoGP World Championship practice Friday morning at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Michelin-shod Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP24, the two-time and defending Champion turned a lap of 1:58.795 around the 3.44-mile track and led the 22-rider field.
Maverick Viñales was second-best with a 1:59.538 on his Aprilia RS-GP.
Marco Bezzecchi was third with a lap of 1:59.848 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati.
Classification FP1 Motogp Sepang
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Bagnaia takes an early advantage as Martin secures P6 in Malaysia. The Italian had a confidence-boosting start to the Malaysian Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Viñales and Bezzecchi as Martin took P6.
MotoGP™ roared into life for the start of a pivotal weekend at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) adapted to the improving conditions, stealing the top spot after setting a late 1:58.795 with new tyres. The Italian impressed on Friday morning, gaining a magnificent 0.743s advantage over Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). It was a strong FP1 for the #12, who also opted for new tyres and a late time attack at the end of the session. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) took third after a consistent session for the #72 – clocking a 1:59.848.
Jack Miller brought his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16 to fourth, setting 15 laps across the opening session of the weekend. The Australian was ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), with the rookie showing early pace despite a crash at Turn 9. Acosta rounded out the top five, finishing ahead of Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), with the Spaniard securing sixth at the start of an intense weekend – 1.647s adrift from Bagnaia. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) grabbed seventh, placing in front of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), with the Frenchman suffering an issue during the session.
Andrea Iannone made his awaited MotoGP™ return, subbing for Fabio Di Giannantonio at the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. ‘The Maniac’ charged to ninth on new tyres, placing ahead of Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), who rounded out the top 10. Further back, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was 12th as Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder rounded out the top 15.
Friday’s action continues at 15:00 local time (UTC +8) for the start of a crucial MotoGP™ Practice, where the premier class stars will battle for a spot in Q2 as #TheRematch continues, so make sure you join us and keep up to date with everything on motogp.com!