Portuguese GP – Practice: Alex Márquez continues his strong run, Johann Zarco at the front

Uncertainty regarding the weather put some pressure on the pilots to MotoGP during the Portuguese Grand Prix tests. As the clock ticked, and the sky showed itself in waves, very threatening, they had one hour to set a time among the top ten, and qualify directly for Q2.

Alex Márquez was once again the best in this game. Dominating the MotoGP tests at Portimao, he finished the day with a time of 1:37.974, the only one to dip below 1 minute 38 seconds. He came within seven-tenths of a second of the track benchmark, set by his older brother, Marc, in 2023. Behind him, Pecco Bagnaia surprised everyone at the end of the session. The Italian hadn't seemed likely to qualify for Q2 since the morning, but delivered a truly impressive final attempt. Pedro Acosta completed a top three separated by less than a tenth of a second.

The Hondas confirmed their good form at Portimao. Joan Mir finished 5th in practice, while Johann Zarco completed the session with the 6th fastest time, having spent almost the entire hour in the top 3, once again. The Frenchman therefore qualified for Q2, which was not the case for his compatriot. fabio quartararo, despite a series of attempts at the end of the session.

A strong field in Q1 in Portugal

Pol Espargaro impresses. Maverick Viñales' replacement, competing in his third consecutive Grand Prix, once again qualifies for Q2, securing the 9th fastest time. He finishes practice ahead of Ai Ogura, giving Aprilia two bikes in the top 10.

Q1 will feature some big names. Besides Quartararo, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli and Brad Binder will battle for the top two spots, their last chance to qualify for Q2.

Note the disappointing 22nd place finish of Miguel Oliveira, who is competing in his final home MotoGP race this weekend. Join us tomorrow at 12:30 PM on AUTO for the results of the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix Qualifying.hebdo.

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MotoGP – Portuguese GP

The Trials ranking: