Brad Binder emerged as the fastest rider ahead of Marc Marquez during the second practice session for the 2024 Japanese MotoGP at the iconic Twin Ring Motegi circuit.
Binder riding for KTM clocked a remarkable lap time of 1m43.436s, narrowly edging out the legendary Marc Marquez who trailed by just 0.033 seconds.
The conditions during the second practice for 2024 Japanese MotoGP were notably improved compared to the earlier practice, where damp weather had hampered performance. The sun broke through the clouds, allowing riders to push their machines to their limits on a dry track.
As the session progressed, it became evident that several riders were in contention for top times, with a mere second separating the top 14 competitors.
Jorge Martin, currently leading the championship standings, demonstrated his prowess by finishing third with a time of 1m43.568s on his Pramac Ducati. His performance was crucial as he aims to secure his first MotoGP title after finishing as runner-up last season.
Martin’s closest rival in the championship, Francesco Bagnaia, finished seventh in the session despite the reigning world champion dominating the morning practice at Motegi.
The practice session unfolded with a flurry of activity as riders quickly established their pace. Martin set an early benchmark with a time of 1m44.320s before Bagnaia took over with a faster lap of 1m44.072s eight minutes into the session.
However, it was Binder who broke through with just over ten minutes remaining, posting a competitive time that would ultimately secure him first place.
Pedro Acosta, riding for GASGAS Tech3, also made headlines by briefly taking over the top spot with a time of 1m43.754s before Binder and Martin surged ahead in the final moments of practice.
However, the session saw several crashes with Enea Bastianini being the first victim after he suffered a huge fall at Turn 13 but managed to recover and finish fifth overall with a time of 1m43.879s. Other riders such as Johann Zarco and Augusto Fernandez also experienced crashes but were reported to be uninjured.
As the clock ticked down in this crucial practice session, Marc Marquez made a late push to challenge Brad Binder’s time but fell just short with a lap of 1m43.469s. The Gresini Ducati rider’s performance came after visible frustration earlier in the session as he struggled to find his rhythm on the GP23 machine.
Maverick Vinales was the sixth fastest ahead of Bagnaia, with the GP23 Gresini and VR46 riders trio of Alex Marquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi rounding off the top ten.
All Ducati riders besides Franco Morbidelli secured top ten finishes, showing Ducati’s dominance around the Japanese circuit. The GP24 Pramac rider could only deliver 13th spot, as Jack Miller and hometown hero Takaaki Nakagami finished ahead in 11th and 12th.
Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo finished a dismal 14th ahead of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro who was unable to replicate the pace of his team-mate.
The results from the second practice are critical as they set the stage for qualifying sessions that will determine grid positions for both Saturday’s sprint race and Sunday’s main event.
With only five races left in the season and significant points at stake, every practice session is vital for championship contenders.
Looking ahead to qualifying and the race itself, Brad Binder’s performance may serve as a confidence booster for KTM as they seek to capitalize on their momentum from this successful practice session.
