Crest of a wave: Bastianini beats Martin to P1 with top four split by 0.082s
The Beast Sets New Mandalika Lap Record as Bagnaia Grabs a Late P4 Finish
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) showcased his blistering speed at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, setting a new all-time lap record during Practice with a stunning 1:29.630. The Emilia-Romagna GP winner edged out Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by a mere 0.040s, with Franco Morbidelli and Francesco Bagnaia rounding out a tightly contested top four, separated by less than a tenth of a second.
Early Drama and Incredible Saves
Friday’s session kicked off with high-octane action as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) took a tumble at Turn 1 within the opening 10 minutes. Just moments later, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) pulled off a spectacular save, digging his right elbow and knee into the asphalt to keep his Ducati GP23 upright at Turn 10 – a signature moment from the eight-time World Champion.
Mid-Session Calm and Strategic Runs
Following the initial fireworks, the session settled into a quieter rhythm. Riders focused on their practice checklists while Acosta remained at the top of the timesheets with a 1:30.411, leading Marc Marquez as the session entered its final 25 minutes.
Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was the first to switch to a fresh soft rear Michelin tire for a time attack, immediately jumping to P2, just 0.004s behind Acosta.
Late Surge: Martin Shatters the Lap Record
With 13 minutes remaining, Jorge Martin surged to the top with a 1:30.317, signaling the start of the Friday afternoon time attack frenzy. On his next flying lap, Martin obliterated the previous lap record, clocking in a 1:29.670. Meanwhile, Bagnaia’s initial attempt fell short, leaving him nearly a second adrift of his title rival.
However, Bastianini, nicknamed “The Beast,” was in no mood to be outdone. With eight minutes left, he posted a 1:29.630, reclaiming the top spot from Martin by just 0.040s.
Bagnaia’s Late Charge
As the clock ticked down, Bagnaia found himself in a precarious P12. He soon improved to P9, just as Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) crashed at Turn 16 while following the reigning World Champion. With just minutes to go, Bagnaia made his move, jumping from P9 to P3. However, Franco Morbidelli snatched the third spot, pushing Bagnaia down to P4 as the session came to a close without further incidents for the top contenders.
Top Performers of Day 1
Bezzecchi finished Day 1 in P5, while Fabio Quartararo impressed once again, taking P6 on his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ machine. Marc Marquez locked in P7 and earned a direct spot in Q2. The Spaniard also came to Bagnaia’s rescue, helping him return to the box after the Italian ran out of fuel.
Other riders advancing directly to Q2 include Acosta, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) narrowly missed out, finishing P11 and P12, as Honda showed promising signs of progress.
What’s Next?
With Friday’s action in the books, all eyes now turn to Saturday’s qualifying and the highly anticipated Tissot Sprint. Make sure to tune in to motogp.com for live coverage of all the action from Indonesia!
Saturday Schedule (UTC +8):
- FP2: 10:10
- Q1: 10:50
- Q2: 11:15
- Tissot Sprint: 15:00
Moto2 Ogura tops timesheets full of key contenders on Friday
Ogura Sets New Lap Record to Lead Friday Practice in Indonesia
World Championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) started strong in Indonesia, setting a new lap record at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Ogura’s impressive 1:33.690 lap put him at the top of the timesheets heading into Saturday’s action, narrowly beating Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by just 0.057s. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) rounded out the top three, finishing 0.163s off the pace.
Day 1 Highlights:
- Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) displayed solid form, securing P4 and finishing just under two-tenths behind Ogura, his fellow Boscoscuro rider.
- Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), the 2022 Indonesian GP race winner, kicked off his weekend with a strong P5 finish in Practice 1.
- Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) recorded identical lap times to finish P6 and P7, showing impressive early pace.
However, title contender Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) and Emilia-Romagna GP winner Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) struggled on Friday, finishing in P21 and P23, respectively, leaving them with work to do in Saturday’s Practice 2.
What’s Next?
With just 14 spots available for direct qualification, the pressure is on as riders battle to secure their place in the top 14 during Practice 2. Tune in at 09:25 for the session, before qualifying kicks off at 13:45 local time in Mandalika.
Moto3 Veijer fastest, Alonso P13 on Day 1
Collin Veijer Breaks Lap Record to Lead Moto3™ Practice in Mandalika
Moto3™ action kicked off at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit with an impressive performance from Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). The Dutch rider dominated Friday’s sessions, smashing the lap record and becoming the only rider to dip into the 1:37s. Veijer’s scorching pace earned him a 0.154s advantage over the field, setting the tone for the weekend.
Friday’s Top Performers:
- Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) maintained his strong form to secure P2, while David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) grabbed a solid P3 after completing nearly 20 laps in Practice 1.
Key Moments:
- David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), the Championship leader, had an eventful start, crashing at Turn 4 during the first session. Fortunately, Alonso was unharmed and finished Practice 1 in P13, two spots ahead of his title rival Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
- Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was the first to dip under the lap record in the afternoon session, but Veijer soon reclaimed the top spot. It was a strong day for Honda, as Fernandez, Almansa, Matteo Bertelle (Almansa’s teammate), and Lunetta secured four of the top five positions.
- Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) finished a strong P6, ahead of Round 12 winner Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who took P7. Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) impressed in P8 on his first visit to the track, after topping the first session. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completed the top ten.
What’s Next?
Can Alonso make a charge up the standings on Saturday? Find out in Practice 2 at 08:40 (UTC+8), followed by Qualifying at 12:50. Don’t miss the action!
Official MotoGP Press Release
