New device
Behind the Repsol Honda pairing in the combined standings was factory Suzuki's Joan Mir. Team boss Livio Suppo confirmed that he was using the rear ride-height device in wet conditions for the first time and it clearly helped as the Team Suzuki Ecstar man clinched a top three spot.
Despite their crashes in the afternoon, Marco Bezzecchi ended up fourth with Johann Zarco a place behind in fifth.
Home hero
Home hero Miguel Oliveira showed promising pace on the opening day in sixth ahead of Aprilia's Maverick Vinales and Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin.
The factory Ducati duo of Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller rounded out the top ten on the first day in Portimao.
Better conditions
MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo's struggles continued as he was only able to find a lap good enough for 20th, whereas form man Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) sits a place back in 21st.
The pair will be hoping for better conditions on Saturday with the forecast, to their delight, looking promising at this moment in time.
Ready for rollercoaster
MotoGP will return to the Algarve International Circuit for a vital FP3 session at 10.55am local time (3.25pm IST) on Saturday to decide those going straight through to Q2, where all 25 riders will aim to make the absolute most of some more favourable weather.
The qualifying then gets underway from 2.10pm local time (6.40pm IST). Don't miss it as the rollercoaster gets ready to serve up another classic encounter!