MOTOGP: KTM STRONG ON FRIDAY, MILLER SHINES IN THE WET

KTM strong on during opening practice in Austria – Photo: LAT

MotoGP Friday practice in Austria was disrupted by rain, but in the dry opening session Pol Espargaro continued KTM’s strong showing by setting the fastest time of the day.

By DAN McCARTHY

The fast Red Bull Ring circuit suits the Ducati machines and in the wet second practice session Australian Jack Miller was the fastest rider.

Aussie Jack Miller set the pace in the wet – Photo: LAT

In the lead up to the weekend it was announced that reigning champion Marc Marquez would remain on the sidelines with his broken arm and that Stefan Bradl would remain as sub for the Spaniard.

After fracturing his knee in practice last Friday Francesco Bagnaia was also forced to sit out this round in Austria, his replacement is Ducati test rider Michele Pirro.

With teams and riders aware of incoming wet weather, everyone went out in practice 1 trying to set a top 10 time which will prove pivotal in getting through to Q2 if practice 3 this evening also takes place in the wet.

Pol Espargaro, keen to rebound from the retirement in last weekend’s Czech Grand Prix (after contact with Johann Zarco saw the Spaniard thrown from his factory KTM bike) set the fastest time of the day.

Seven days ago championship contender Andrea Dovizioso scored his worst career qualifying position, keen to make amends the Ducati rider was second fastest in the opening session only 0.44s from Espargaro.

Honda rider Takaaki Nakagami was third fastest from the Suzuki of Alex Rins and Petronas Yamaha rider Franco Morbidelli who made it five manufacturers in the top five positions.

Zarco was sixth fastest ahead of Miguel Oliveira, Miller, Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo.

Quartararo looked uncomfortable all day and only just remained in the top 10 come the end of the opening 45-minute dry session. The Frenchman was only 0.026s ahead of his championship rival and future teammate Maverick Vinales.

Danilo Petrucci, Valentino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow were notable names that also sat outside the top 10.

As is the man of the moment Brad Binder, after taking victory in just his third MotoGP race the South African started the weekend off slowly down in 16th position.

Miller topped the damp second practice session 0.7s ahead of Spanish rookie Iker Lecuona and Oliveira both riding for the Tech 3 KTM squad.

The all important third practice session begins at 5.45pm AEST and can be viewed live on Fox Sports 506.

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