Martin dominates FP3, Bagnaia will have to go through Q1

The suspense is at its height at Sepang in Malaysia. The third free practice session, which was held in the dry, at least until a few minutes before the checkered flag, was dominated by Jorge Martin. The Madrilenian set the best time with a lap of 1'58.583. He is a little less than two tenths ahead of his closest pursuer in the person of Marco Bezzecchi. 

The rookie is ahead of the Aprilia of Maverick Viñales, the latest winner at Sepang, and his teammate Luca Marini. Joan Mir, who had a new aerodynamic front mudguard, moved into fifth position ahead of another Ducati, that of Enea Bastianini. fabio quartararo inherits the seventh fastest time, just under half a second behind Martin, while Alex Rins, Aleix Espargaro and Franco Morbidelli complete the Top 10 of those who will go directly to Q2. 

We thought that these conditions would allow Francesco Bagnaia to catch up and be among the top ten. He succeeded during a good part of the session, but the Italian was trapped a few minutes from the checkered flag by a few drops of rain while following his rival Quartararo. Yet author of the same time as Morbidelli, Bagnaia misses Q2 and will have to go through Q1. Note that Morbidelli hampered his compatriot as well as Marc Marquez during the session and risks being penalized on the grid on Sunday. 

Johann Zarco will also have to go through the repechage, just like Jack Miller, Marc Marquez, and Brad Binder, leader of the first day. Q1 promises to be competitive, but only the first two will advance to Q2… 

Ranking (FP1-3)