Marc Marquez delivered a stunning performance during the first free practice session of the 2024 Aragon MotoGP setting the fastest lap to pip Jorge Martin.
The first free practice session for the 2024 Aragon MotoGP took place on August 30, 2024, at the MotorLand Aragon Circuit. The session was crucial for the riders to adapt to the newly resurfaced track, which presented unique challenges.
Despite Marquez’s dominant showing, the opening practice for the 2024 Aragon MotoGP was characterized by low grip levels due to the new surface, which left many riders struggling to find their footing.
The track conditions were described as “greasy,” prompting teams to focus on suspension settings to enhance grip. Several riders opted for softer front tires to maximize traction while preserving harder compounds for the subsequent sessions.
Gresini’s Marc Marquez clocked an impressive time of 1:48.289, placing him nearly half a second ahead of his closest rival, Jorge Martin from Pramac Racing, who finished with a time of 1:48.772. The Ducati stablemates demonstrated their potential by outpacing the factory riders, including reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who struggled throughout the session.
Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta continued his impressive form, securing third place on the timesheets with a time of 1:48.902 on his Tech3 KTM. The young Spaniard’s performance was a clear indication of his adaptability and potential to challenge the established riders in the premier class.
Brad Binder, riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, put in a strong showing, finishing fourth with a time of 1:48.952. The South African rider’s performance was a testament to the improvements made by KTM, as they look to challenge the front-runners consistently.
Fabio Di Giannantonio, who has been one of the standout performers on the Ducati GP23 this season, finished fifth with a time of 1:48.954. The Italian rider, who is nursing a weakened left shoulder after a crash at the previous Grand Prix, demonstrated his resilience and determination by putting in a solid performance.
Marc’s younger brother and teammate at Gresini Racing, Alex Marquez, finished sixth with a time of 1:49.044. The younger Marquez sibling has been making steady progress throughout the season and will be looking to build on this strong start to the weekend.
Miguel Oliveira, riding for the Aprilia customer team Trackhouse Racing, was the best-placed Aprilia rider in seventh with a time of 1:49.086. The Portuguese rider’s performance was a positive sign for the Italian manufacturer, as they look to close the gap to the front-runners.
Jack Miller, riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, finished eighth with a time of 1:49.115. The Australian rider’s performance was a solid start to the weekend, as he looks to build on his recent success and challenge for podium finishes.
Bagnaia’s teammate at the Ducati Lenovo Team, Enea Bastianini finished ninth with a time of 1:49.220 ahead of Franco Morbidelli who rounded out the top ten with a time of 1:49.261. The Italian rider, who has been struggling with form and fitness throughout the season, will be hoping that this strong start to the weekend will be the catalyst for a turnaround in his fortunes.
The session was not without its drama, as several riders, including Bagnaia, struggled to put together a clean lap. The Italian rider, who is currently leading the championship, finished a disappointing 21st, nearly two seconds off the pace set by Marquez.
Meanwhile, Aleix Espargaro finished last for Aprilia with a time of 1:51.463, three seconds off the pace set by Marquez. The Spanish rider’s performance was a stark contrast to his teammate Oliveira’s, and he will be looking to bounce back in the next session.
