Luca Marini took first place in MotoGP World Championship free practice on Friday morning at Le Mans in France. He led the 22-rider field with a lap of 1:30.857 around the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second best in 1:30.911 on the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
In the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16, Pedro Acosta was third with a lap of 1:31.065.
In the year
Raul Fernandez finished fifth in his Aprilia Trackhouse RS-GP26 with a time of 1:31.224.
More from the MotoGP press release:
Marini leads Acosta and Zarco in Le Mans FP1. To start the weekend at the French GP is HRC from KTM, with title race leader Bezecci outside 10th.
Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) led on new tires to top the MotoGP FP1 timesheets thanks to a 1:30.857. Completing the opening weekend’s top three under beautiful blue skies at Le Mans – how long can we say that? – Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and 2025 French GP winner Johannes Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) – one of the two home spectators this weekend.
The top three were separated by 0.252s, with Zarco making it two Hondas in the top three. A promising start for the Japanese manufacturer. But it was arguably Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) who impressed the Italian the session in P4, 0.268s clear of Marini without leaving the new Michell tyres. The Italian, who sat P3 in the championship, led most of FP1 before making several late laps.
Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) completed the top five, with Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) enjoying a more productive session in P6. Spanish GP winner Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was P7, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) took P9 from Friday morning, while world championship leader Marco Bezcicci (Aprilia Racing) finished FP1 in P14, one place ahead of closest title rival and teammate George Martin. Work for the factory Aprilia Duo? Or is it just a ringing session before picking up the wick in practice? We’ll see you in a few hours.
The crucial hour-long practice session at Le Mans is coming up at 15:00 local time – stay tuned!
Post MotoGP: Marini leads opening practice at Le Mans. It appeared at first Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle riding, racing and technology news.
