Binder fastest in FP1

Lightweight class get their first taste of Sepang’s new asphalt

With some damp patches on the circuit after overnight rain, initial laptimes saw the grid cautious as they headed out to test the new track surface in Malaysia until it began to fully dry. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was the quickest rider on track, as he moved eight tenths clear at the front on his final attempt. Khairul Idham Pawi (Honda Team Asia) was the only rider within a second of the 2016 World Champion in an impressive session at home, with Francesco Bagnaia (Pull&Bear Aspar Mahindra), Marcos Ramirez (Platinum Bay Real Estate) and Livio Loi (RW Racing GP BV) completing the top five.

Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0) was an early pacesetter fresh from his first podium at Phillip Island, with compatriots Jorge Martin (Pull&Bear Aspar Mahindra) and Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) ahead of Canet’s teammate Jorge Navarro in ninth.

Fabio Quartararo (Leopard Racing) was another of those on top in the early stages of the session, and completed the top ten in his first weekend riding at the track after missing the 2015 weekend due to injury.

For full results, click here