Jorge Martin pips Aprilia duo to top 2024 British MotoGP FP1

Jorge Martin showcased his prowess in the opening practice session of the 2024 British MotoGP at Silverstone by clinching the top spot ahead of Aprilia duo Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro.

Pramac’s Jorge Martin kicked off the 2024 British MotoGP weekend in impressive fashion, topping the first practice session (FP1) at Silverstone with a blistering lap time of 1:59.383.

This performance not only showcased his speed but also set the stage for an intense competition as he aims to regain the championship lead after a challenging first half of the season.

The Spaniard’s performance in FP1 was marked by a series of rapid laps that propelled him to the top of the time sheets. His lap time was particularly noteworthy as it was close to the race lap record set by Alex Rins in 2022, indicating his potential for a strong showing throughout the weekend.

The Pramac Ducati rider’s performance is crucial as he seeks to bounce back from a disappointing finish at the previous race in Germany, where he lost the championship lead after crashing while in the lead.

Martin’s best time was just 0.090 seconds faster than Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales, who finished in second place with a time of 1:59.473 ahead of teammate Aleix Espargaro who rounded out the top three with a time of 1:59.719.

Notably, Aprilia introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade for this race, modifying over 20 bodywork components to enhance downforce and improve the bike’s performance on the fast Silverstone circuit. The upgrade appears to have paid off, as both riders were able to capitalize on the bike’s strengths, particularly in the circuit’s high-speed corners.

Red Bull KTM’s Jack Miller secured fourth place with a time of 1:59.727, showcasing the potential of the RC16. His performance was particularly encouraging as he navigated a late-session traffic incident with Fabio Quartararo, which highlighted the competitive nature of the field.

Franco Morbidelli, riding for Pramac Racing, finished fifth with a time of 1:59.803, continuing his upward trajectory this season. Ducati’s Enea Bastianini followed closely in sixth place ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Reigning world champion and current points leader Francesco Bagnaia, finished eighth with a time of 1:59.848, indicating that he is still in the hunt despite not being at the very top of the leaderboard.

Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo delivered an impressive performance for the struggling outfit after finishing ninth fastest.

However, the session was not without drama, as both Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta suffered crashes. Marquez, riding for Gresini Racing, tumbled at the Stowe corner, but fortunately escaped the incident unharmed to round out the top ten.

Meanwhile, Acosta’s incident was less dramatic, as he ran wide into the gravel after losing control at turn six, but fortunately walked away unscathed and managed to avoid significant damage.

2024 British MotoGP FP1 Results