Francesco Bagnaia started the Japanese MotoGP weekend in style by topping the first practice session. The Ducati rider showed strong pace and edged out Marc Marquez in a competitive FP1.
Bagnaia set the fastest lap late in the session. His speed underlined Ducati’s strength on the Motegi circuit. The defending world champion looked comfortable from the start and stayed consistent through the run.
Marc Marquez followed closely behind on his Honda. The Spanish rider pushed hard in the final laps but could not beat Bagnaia’s time. His performance, however, showed signs of improvement after recent struggles.
Several other riders also impressed in the opening session. Jorge Martin kept the pressure on with another quick display, reminding fans of his title ambitions. Meanwhile, Fabio Quartararo faced difficulties as Yamaha continued to search for more pace.
The FP1 session was tight, with less than half a second separating the top five riders. Track conditions were good, allowing teams to test different setups ahead of qualifying. The Motegi layout demands balance between speed and braking, making every lap crucial.
Bagnaia’s early lead puts him in a strong position for the weekend. He is aiming to extend his advantage in the championship standings. With Marquez and Martin close behind, the fight is expected to remain intense.
Fans in Japan can expect more drama as the sessions continue. Riders will now focus on FP2 and qualifying, where the battle for grid positions begins. Bagnaia will aim to carry his momentum, while rivals hope to close the gap.
The Japanese MotoGP is set for an exciting weekend. If FP1 is a sign, the fight at Motegi will be close from start to finish.
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