Siméon quickest in rain-hit Valencia first practice

Siméon put in one of his best performances of late on a soaking wet Valencia track, where he set a best time of 1.47’167, which was over four tenths clear of his nearest challenger and wet-weather specialist Johann Zarco on board his JiR Moto2 machine. Zarco had looked like he would put in a quicker time at the end of the session, however he low-sided his bike in Turn 11 and crashed out of his hot lap. Behind the two in third is Blusens Avintia’s Simón, who was on consistently high pace throughout the session.

Recently crowned Moto2 World Champion, Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol’s Marc Márquez, left it late to head up the timesheet to come in fourth, whilst Federal Oil Gresini Moto2’s Gino Rea once again put in his typically good showing in the wet behind in fifth. Speed Master’s Andrea Iannone looks to have re-found some of his old form as he finished sixth, ahead of TSR Galicia School’s wildcard entry Dani Rivas.

Interwetten-Paddock’s Tom Lüthi set the eighth quickest time of the morning, just over 1.2s off the top, ahead of Came IodaRacing Project’s Simone Corsi and Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2’s Jordi Torres. NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s replacement rider Mattia Pasini crashed out of the session half way through, shortly after QMMF Racing’s replacement rider Rafid Topan Sucipto. All crashers walked away unscathed.