Another clear blue morning greeted Moto3™ as they headed out for their third practice session of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, with less drama for freshly crowned World Champion Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo), after the South African suffered two uncharacteristic crashes on Friday. Stealing P1 on his final effort, the new Champion was only a couple of tenths outside the lap record with a 1:56.651
Aragon winner and currently second in the title – Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Jorge Navarro – was the man on top before Binder’s last charge, and ended the session third ahead of Leopard Racing’s Fabio Quartararo. Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Andrea Migno was P4, with compatriot Niccolo Antonelli (Ongetta-Rivacold) completing the top five.
Livio Loi kept his Friday pace rolling in P6 for RW Racing GP BV, ahead of early leader Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing Moto3) – who also suffered a crash. Gabriel Rodrigo (RBA Racing) was eighth in FP3, with FP1’s quickest Nicolo Bulega in P9 for Sky Racing Team VR46, and first home hero Tatsuki Suzuki completing the top ten for CIP-Unicom Starker.