More proof MotoGP riders are built differently. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) didn’t let a huge Turn 15 crash stop him from setting the fastest time in FP1, as the #93 endures a dramatic start to his Motul Grand Prix of the Netherlands. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) were P2 and P3 to see three manufacturers sitting at the top of the times early into the weekend.
With 37 minutes to go, Marc Marquez suffered a big crash at Ramshoek – the fast Turn 15 left-hander. The #93 highsided on the way into the corner and was up on his feet, but the title chase leader looked in some discomfort with his left hand, as he made his way back to pit lane and into his office. Team Manager, Davide Tardozzi, reported that Marquez was in a little bit of pain with his left elbow, and the crash was potentially caused by the 93-time Grand Prix winner downshifting too quickly.
Not an ideal start to the weekend, but in true Marquez fashion, he ventured back out on track with 19 minutes to go and with just over 12 minutes left, the #93 rose to P1 by three tenths of a second. Talk about a rollercoaster ride. And on his penultimate lap, Marquez went even quicker with a 1:32.216 – impressive is one word to explain what we just saw.
Rounding out the top five heading into this afternoon’s Practice session were Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in P6.
Tune into MotoGP Practice at 15:00 local time!