AFP
Spain’s Jorge Martin posted the quickest time in practice for the Aragon Grand Prix yesterday, as MotoGP championship leader Fabio Quartararo was second. Frenchman Quartararo, the reigning world champion, holds a 30-point lead in the standings from Francesco Bagnaia with six races remaining in the season. Ducati rider Bagnaia has stormed back into title contention with four successive victories, but could only finish fifth-fastest over the first two practice sessions in Spain. Johann Zarco, who rides for Ducati satellite team Pramac alongside Martin, was third quickest.
Martin’s lap of one minute and 47.402 seconds was 0.074sec better than Quartararo. “This afternoon I was much more consistent than in the morning,” said Quartararo. “I’m more satisfied with my pace.”
Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez was an impressive eighth fastest for Honda on his return after arm surgery. Marquez was then shadowing Martin and the eight-time World Champion set three red sectors. However, a small mistake at the final corner saw the number 93 climb higher into the top 10 as the likes of Zarco and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP) improved late on.