FP1 - Marquez lays down the gauntlet to rivals in Qatar

The reigning MotoGP Champion Marc Marquez ended the first Free Practice on top.

The reigning MotoGP Champion laid down a marker for the rest of the field early on in the 45 minute FP1 session by setting a 1’55.281. Marquez said he felt good around the Losail International Circuit as they were still trying out some new settings on his RC213V. His Repsol Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa (+0.076s) was the only rider able to get within four-tenths of Marquez, and he said he was satisfied with his efforts today.

The main rivals was the Team Suzuki Ecstar bike of Aleix Espargaro (+0.404s) that finished closest to the Honda’s of Marquez and Pedrosa, with the Spaniard ending the session in 3rd on the new GSX-RR bike.

Jorge Lorenzo didn't seem too pleased with his work today, despite finishing in 4th on his Movistar Yamaha YZR-M1. He said that they were having issues with the bike, and it was “floating” around the circuit, relating the problems to the ones they experienced during the test here in Qatar.

CWM LCR´s Cal Crutchlow finished in an impressive 5th after the first practice session as the leading satellite rider, although he admitted he doesn't really look to take anything from the first practice session. He mentioned that he was affected by brake issues once again, but he was adamant that he could go quicker, and would have done if it wasn’t for another rider ruining his flying laps on the last corner.

Danilo Petrucci on the Pramac Ducati said he was “a bit lucky” to finish in 6th, ahead of the Factory Ducati riders, as he managed to put in a new tyre just before the end of the session to allow him to record a quick time.

Andrea Dovizioso admitted he struggled to get the same feeling he had during the recent test around the Losail track, and that he actually used both of his bikes with two different set-ups in an effort to improve his pace, as he finished in 7th.

Pramac Racing's Yonny Hernandez ended up just behind factory rider Dovizioso in 8th, and he stated that while he was happy with his performance, he feels that they need to make some improvements to the bike as tomorrow everyone will be faster.

Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi had a frustrating day, as he ended the session down in 9th place. He said he found it difficult around the Losail circuit as he had a problem with rear grip, although he hopes his team can work on this for tomorrow.

Andrea Iannone rounded out the top ten on the second Factory Ducati, saying the conditions were different from the last time they were here for the test, hence why they could not replicate their impressive pace.

Full results:

via MotoGP Official Website