MotoGP

Quartararo takes the lead at Mandalika 

The Frenchman was the fastest overall in the first two free practice sessions of the Indonesian GP ahead of his teammate Franco Morbidelli.

Published on 18/03/2022 à 09:04

Tom Morsellino

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Quartararo takes the lead at Mandalika

It was a track that was still damp after the night's showers and somewhat dusty which welcomed the drivers. MotoGP Friday morning in Mandalika, the first Indonesian GP since 1997. 

First of all, it was Pol Espargaro who was the fastest in the opening session with less than a tenth ahead of Miguel Oliveira and Marc Marquez. The conditions being more ideal in the afternoon, the morning classification was quickly replaced by a new hierarchy. 

In the game of time trial over the whole day, it is fabio quartararo who did well with a lap in 1’31.608. Credited with the 16th fastest time in the morning, the world champion started FP2 with a technical problem which slightly delayed his progress. But the Niçois still managed to climb into the lead and secure, for the moment, a place in Q2. 

His teammate, Franco Morbidelli, took the second fastest time by 30 thousandths while Johann Zarco completed the Top 3, just over two tenths behind the two factory Yamahas.

Behind Zarco were the other Ducatis of Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, winner at Lusail (who made a mistake in the afternoon), and Jack Miller. Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira lifted the two official KTMs into eighth and ninth positions ahead of the Suzuki of Alex Rins. 

Among the big losers this Friday, we can cite Marc Marquez. The Catalan, although third in the morning, fell heavily at turn 11 in the afternoon and had to settle for 22nd overall time just behind Francesco Bagnaia. The vice-world champion joined the fight at the front in FP2, but was quickly left behind by his opponents as he finished the day 1.2 seconds behind the benchmark. 

There is also Joan Mir, ranked 20th, and Pol Espargaro, leader this morning, who was ultimately pushed back to 19th in the hierarchy.

Meet on Saturday morning at 3:50 a.m. (Paris time) for the final free practice session giving direct access to Q2. 

Combined ranking FP1-2

Tom Morsellino

Journalist and MotoGP reporter.

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