IndianOil Grand Prix: Race Leader Bagnaia Falls to Seventh, Marquez Secures Second Spot In Practice Session

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Greater Noida, Sep 22: The IndianOil Grand Prix marked its commencement here at the Buddh International Circuit on Friday (September 22) with the practice session.

The first day of the IndianOil Grand Prix was a thrilling start to this prestigious event. It showcased stirring performances across all sessions. The day was full of drama as Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider Luca Marini emerged as the fastest in the second free Practice Session, which kicked off the Grand Prix on a high note.

Francesco Bagnaia ends up seventh

Defending champion and current race leader Francesco Bagnaia ended up in the seventh position despite his strong performance in previous races. Bagnaia was placed seventh after he clocked one minute, 45.2800 seconds.

During the first Free Practice Session, it was Marini's teammate from Mooney VR46 Racing Team, Marco Bezzecchi, who set the fastest timing of one minute, 45.9900 seconds. Consistent Bezzecchi bettered his performance in the second session to finish fifth in one minute, 45.2020 seconds.

Eight-time world champion, Marc Marquez, rode the Repsol Honda to second place with one minute, 46.1290 seconds. Red Bull KTM's Brad Binder, known for his high-speed record in MotoGP, couldn't reach the top ten due to a yellow flag that cancelled his last lap timing.

The 10 fastest times recorded across in the allotted 60 minutes during Friday's Practice session go directly into Qualifying 2, while the top two riders from Qualifying 1 get a chance in Qualifying 2 to try their hands at claiming the pole position.

Intense Competition in Moto2

Tony Arbolino from ELF Marc VDS Racing Team secured the top position in Moto 2 by registering the fastest timing of one minute, 52.1050 seconds on his final lap. The fight for the top was severe and dramatic, with Somkiat Chantra, Ai Ogura, and Pedro Acosta giving fierce competition, each taking turns on the top throughout the practice sessions.

Eventually, it was Arbolino who had the last laugh. Finally, Acosta finished second clocking one minute, 52.1700 seconds, while Ogura and Chantra settled at third and fourth with one minute, 52.1880 and one minute, 52.3190 seconds respectively.

MotoGP Bharat: Collin Viejer rules Moto3 practice session

Moto3 saw Collin Veijer of Liqui Moly Husqvarna from the Netherlands standing at the top. He was the quickest in Practice 2, recording a timing of just under two minutes, until Spanish rider Jaume Masia gave a close competition in the final few minutes of the session. Stefano Nepa secured the third spot, while India's Kadai Yaseen Ahamed finished outside the timelines.

Behind Mir, it's Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP) the first to miss out after finishing Practice in P11 following those lap cancellations. The Q1 practice was a packed house with promise for some high-impact action on Saturday (September 23).

Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez from Gresini Racing MotoGP, along with Franco Morbidelli, Miguel Oliveira, and Jack Miller are set to spark up the circuit during the Saturday session.

Despite a few unexpected turn of events, racers are all prepped for the next stages in the circuit. With such a sensational kick-off, the excitement gears up for the upcoming confrontations on the track. Stay tuned for more updates from the IndianOil Grand Prix!

Showtime on Saturday: The stage is set for Qualifying and then the Tissot Sprint.

MotoGP FP2: 10:40

MotoGP Q1: 11:20

MotoGP Q2: 11:45

Tissot Sprint: 15:30