Francesco Bagnaia

MotoGP News: Bagnaia tops Friday practice with record at Assen

Ending the day at the top of the time sheets at the Motul TT Assen was Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who completed a perfect day in the Netherlands.

The #1 set a blistering time early on before improving later in the session, setting a brilliant 1:31.340 in his superior factory Ducati.

Ducati factory rider Francesco Bagnaia

Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) crossed the line to claim second after improving yet again on his final fast lap – ending the day 0.065s shy from Bagnaia. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had a positive end to Friday after a magnificent lap allowed the #73 to round out the top three.

It was a dramatic session throughout which all came down to the final 15 minutes when the riders took to the track for their time attack. Bagnaia was at the top of times as red sectors began to pop up everywhere before Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) hit the top for the first time of the weekend before Pecco soon responded on his next flying lap. There would be drama heading into the final run with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) having an incredibly close moment with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).

Further back, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) took a brave fourth and showed great pace throughout the session – completing over 20 laps. However, the #41 suffered a crash in the closing minutes at the final corner and would end the Spaniard’s session. Behind the Spaniard was compatriot Martin, who rounded out the top five positions, with work still to do to feel comfortable for Saturday.

Sixth place went the way of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who had an incredible front-end save during the session – improving on his 22nd lap. Brad Binder was the only Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine inside the top 10 with his teammate Miller down in 18th place at the end of Friday.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) held onto eighth place and a spot inside Q2 after suffering from a crash of his own with three minutes to go. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) took ninth place, after setting a 1:31.909 in his final run. Behind the #25 was Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who took the final spot inside the top 10 and the final direct entry spot into Q2.

However, some huge names are now forced to battle in Q1 on Saturday including Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team), who missed out on his spot inside the top 10 by a mere 0.041s. Joining Quartararo in what is building to be an unpredictable Q1 will be both Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team riders and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), who was down in 15th place at the end of Friday.

Assen MotoGP Friday Practice Top Times

Pos Rider Nat Team Behind
1 Francesco Bagnaia ITA Ducati Lenovo (GP24) +0.000s
2 Maverick Viñales SPA Aprilia Racing (RS-GP24) +0.065s
3 Alex Marquez SPA Gresini Ducati (GP23) +0.320s
4 Aleix Espargaro SPA Aprilia Racing (RS-GP24) +0.472s
5 Jorge Martin SPA Pramac Ducati (GP24) +0.489s
6 Marc Marquez SPA Gresini Ducati (GP23) +0.511s
7 Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM (RC16) +0.526s
8 Enea Bastianini ITA Ducati Lenovo (GP24) +0.530s
9 Raul Fernandez SPA Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP23) +0.569s
10 Franco Morbidelli ITA Pramac Ducati (GP24) +0.673s
11 Fabio Quartararo FRA Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) +0.714s
12 Marco Bezzecchi ITA VR46 Ducati (GP23) +0.828s
13 Fabio Di Giannantonio ITA VR46 Ducati (GP23) +0.833s
14 Alex Rins SPA Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) +0.863s
15 Pedro Acosta SPA Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (RC16)* +0.904s
16 Miguel Oliveira POR Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP24) +1.148s
17 Johann Zarco FRA LCR Honda (RC213V) +1.390s
18 Jack Miller AUS Red Bull KTM (RC16) +1.766s
19 Takaaki Nakagami JPN LCR Honda (RC213V) +1.787s
20 Lorenzo Savadori ITA Aprilia Racing (RS-GP24) +1.966s
21 Augusto Fernandez SPA Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (RC16) +2.004s
22 Joan Mir SPA Repsol Honda (RC213V) +2.015s
23 Luca Marini ITA Repsol Honda (RC213V) +2.221s

* Rookie