MotoGP Thailand GP: Marquez brothers lead main practice, Bagnaia to Q1

Alex Marquez took the top spot in second practice for the Thai Grand Prix with a last-gasp effort, while Francesco Bagnaia failed to secure an automatic entry into Q2.

Riding last year’s GP24, the Gresini rider set a best time of 1m29.020s with just seconds to run in the hour-long session at Buriram to leapfrog his elder brother and factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez.

Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez also managed to improve his time on his final flying lap, but ultimately wound up 0.052s behind in second.

KTM’s Pedro Acosta jumped to third place at the end of practice, while Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi was able to hold on to fourth despite a late crash at Turn 3.

Bezzecchi’s fall brought out the yellow flags, which meant Bagnaia’s best effort of 1m29.492s was deleted by the race control.

The two-time MotoGP champion made another attempt at gaining a place in Q2, but his last effort was scuppered when he encountered VR46’s Franco Morbidelli on the racing line. He eventually finished in 13th place.

Morbidelli himself safely made it through to the second part of qualifying in fifth, ahead of the top Honda of Joan Mir, but could be penalised for impeding Bagnaia.

Both Trackhouse riders finished inside the top 10, while Fabio Quartartaro guided Yamaha to eighth place despite a late crash.

Photos from Thailand GP – Friday

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