Opening Australian Grand Prix practice washed out

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 18 October 2024

The 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has gotten off to a sodden start with the opening MotoGP Practice washed out.

After Moto2 and Moto3 both got on track, FP1 for the main event was supposed to begin at 10.45 AEDT.

But due to ever increasing showers soaking the 4.442km circuit, the session was never possible and was cancelled almost two hours later.

The pit lane was set to open at 12.25, but riders such as Aleix Espargaro, Johann Zarco and Jack Miller immediately expressed concern.

Just six minutes later the riders seemed to have had their way with the planned start to the session delayed and eventually cancelled.

Bikes never got on track with only the Safety Car doing laps with Loris Capirossi at the wheel.

Capirossi explained to TV commentator Simon Crafar a late shower led to “aquaplaning” and the obvious decision to call the session.

“As soon as the rain (eased) the track was coming good, but the problem is that it started to rain a lot again,” the Italian explained.

“Then we have some aquaplaning and it’s better to wait until the rain stops.”

With the session cancelled, the schedule for the remainder of Friday’s on track action is expected to be revised.

The next MotoGP session is set for 15.00 AEDT and determines the 10 riders, who progress into Qualifying 2.

Moto2 was fronted by Aron Canes as Senna Agius showed promise getting 11th, while rookie Harrison Voight survived a very wet maiden session in 20th.

In Moto3 championship leader David Alonso led the way with Australians Joel Kelso 16th and Jacob Roulstone 21st.

Image: Gold and Goose

2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

Practice 1: Fri 10.45-11.30 (Fox Sports)

Practice: Fri 15.00-16.00 (Fox Sports)

Practice 2: Sat 10.10-10.40 (Fox Sports)

Qualifying: Sat 10.50-11.30 (Fox Sports)

Sprint: Sat 15.00 13 Laps (Channel 10/Fox Sports)

Warm up: Sun 9.40-9.50 (Fox Sports)

Grand Prix: Sun 14.00 27 laps (Channel 10/Fox Sports)

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Opening Australian Grand Prix practice washed out

The pit lane was set to open at 12.25, but riders such as Aleix Espargaro, Johann Zarco and Jack Miller immediately expressed concern.

Capirossi explained to TV commentator Simon Crafar a late shower led to “aquaplaning” and the obvious decision to call the session.

With the session cancelled, the schedule for the remainder of Friday’s on track action is expected to be revised.

Moto2 was fronted by Aron Canes as Senna Agius showed promise getting 11th, while rookie Harrison Voight survived a very wet maiden session in 20th.

2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

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