2013 Phillip Island MotoGP - Friday wrap
With a new surface having been laid since the 2012 race, lap records are expected to tumble this year, but of more significance to the championship, Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez crashed at Lukey Heights in the afternoon practice session, but rejoined the track later, appearing to be fully fit for the rest of the weekend.
Enjoying the bright conditions, Yamaha Factory Racing's Lorenzo duly posted 1'28.961, with Marquez second, while GO&FUN Honda Gresini's Alvaro Bautista went third overall but an impressive second in the afternoon session. This dropped Marquez's teammate Dani Pedrosa to fourth position, having stopped his bike on the exit of the Southern Loop towards the end of the second period. Yamaha's Valentino Rossi - off the podium at Phillip Island on only three occasions since he debuted in the World Championship - completed the top five.
Marquez was fortunate to avoid injury during second practice, as the 20-year-old - who could historically become World Champion this weekend - crashed at the top of Lukey Heights. Appearing to have escaped any injury, the Spaniard was back out on-track less than 20 minutes later. The same could not be said for LCR Honda MotoGP's Stefan Bradl; having fractured an ankle at Sepang last Saturday, the German was allowed to take part in opening practice, but finished almost four seconds off the pace and was later declared unfit. He hopes to return for the penultimate round in Japan next weekend.
Monster Yamaha Tech3 occupied positions six and seven on the timesheets, with Cal Crutchlow half a second quicker than Bradley Smith as the latter made his first premier class appearance at Phillip Island. The top ten was rounded out by leading CRT runner Randy de Puniet for Power Electronics Aspar plus Ducati Team duo Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso, with the 2006 World Champion having now been confirmed as joining Aspar for the next two MotoGP campaigns.
Ignite Pramac Racing's Yonny Hernandez suffered a fall in the morning, while Avintia Blusens' Hector Barbera was last to encounter a slip-up as he crashed on the exit of Lukey Heights barely five minutes before the day's action came to an close.
Australians Bryan Staring (Gresini CRT) and Damian Cudlin (PBM ART CRT) ended proceedings in 21st and 24th places, respectively. Cudlin actually missed the 107-percent cutoff in the morning session, but scraped in, albeit in last place in Friday's afternoon session.
The third practice session, which also has a bearing on the Qualifying running order, will begin at 10:55AM on Saturday, October 19.
For remaining ticketing options and updates for the 2013 Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, go to www.motogp.com.au
Image: motogp.com
