Indian GP Practice Results

The Buddh International Circuit hosts the thirteenth round of the season this weekend, and Luca Marini (Ducati) set the best time on Friday with a time of 1:44.782.

The first day in India has allowed the riders to gain experience on an unfamiliar track with extended practice sessions.

The riders who completed the Top 10 were: Jorge Martín (Ducati), Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia), Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda), Marco Bezzecchi (Ducati), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia), Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati), Fabio Quartararo ( Yamaha), Johann Zarco (Ducati) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda).

Competitive day for Repsol Honda Team

The Repsol Honda Team had a positive start on the Indian track, with both riders breaking into the Top 10 during the morning session. Marc Márquez was second and Joan Mir tenth. Their progress continued in the afternoon and for the first time this season, both advanced to Q2.

After their first contact during FP1, Márquez consolidated his good feeling by closing the day in fourth position, just over three tenths off the best time. He ran a good pace and appeared competitive.

Joan Mir has also managed to take a step forward, placing tenth in the afternoon. The Repsol Honda Team rider ended the day feeling comfortable on his Honda, going directly into Q2 for the first time in this team.

With this positive result, both riders will work in the same way ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session and the first sprint race at the Buddh circuit.

Indian GP Practice Results

Statements

Marc Márquez

“When we arrive at a new track it’s true that I am able to quickly find the limit of the track. From FP1 I was there and in FP2 we were able to stay there even if we lost a little bit of margin as the overall grip came up. But finally, we were able to get a spot in Q2, which is the target, but I think many riders will make a step tomorrow. The front three rows of the grid and the objective for tomorrow and then let’s see what happens in the Sprint. The heat here is different to at other tracks but I don’t think it will be a big issue for tomorrow, for the long race on Sunday we will have to see.”

Joan Mir

“In terms of result it’s my best Friday of the season, so we have to be happy! In terms of feeling it was even better and I felt good from the morning session which makes everything a bit easier. We spent the day working on details like the gear ratio today, the normal things when you come to a new track. Then in Free Practice we made another step forward to keep pace with other riders. I am really happy to go directly to Q2 because the lap we did was not perfect, so for tomorrow we have some margin to improve in qualifying.”