Martin already under Sepang race lap record in FP1

MotoGP 2023

Round 18 – Malaysian Grand Prix

MotoGP FP1

The opening practice session got underway at Sepang for round 18 of the MotoGP World Championship this afternoon in the traditional sultry conditions that we can expect in Malaysia at this time of year.

It was hot in more ways than one for Aleix Espargaro. The Spaniard had quite a slow and soft front end lose which put him on the deck and his RS-GP machine promptly burst into flames.

Some sections of the 5543 metre circuit have been resurfaced ahead of this year’s race which has led to suggestions that the 1m57.790s all-time MotoGP lap record at the circuit set during qualiying by Jorge Martin last year would be eclipsed. The Pramac Ducati rider also holds the race lap record at 1m59.634.  The track today though was described as being very green following plenty of recent heavy rain.

That didn’t stop Jorge Martin topping proceedings once again though, a 1m59.513 to the 25-year-old, besting the rest.

Alex Marquez had been quickest for the majority of the session and nearly undercut Martin once again on his final lap but it went away from the Gresini Ducati man and he had to settle for second.

Johann Zarco made it a Ducati 1-2-3 ahead of the Yamaha pairing of Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo.

Jack Miller rounded out the top ten just behind Augusto Fernandez.

Championship leader Pecco Bagnaia did not have a late-time attack on fresh rubber and ranked 14th at the end of FP1.

World Superbike Champion Alvaro Bautista opened his weekend three seconds off the benchmark pace.

MotoGP FP1 Results

MotoGP Championship Points

Moto2 FP1

Moto2 Championship Points

Moto3 FP1

Moto3 Championship Points

Malaysian Grand Prix Schedule
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2023 MotoGP Calendar