Malaysia: Randy de Puniet tops MotoGP practice

The Malaysian Grand Prix began today with two hours of MotoGP free practice in typically tropical conditions at the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur. Heavy rainfall at lunchtime saw the afternoon session starting with a partially wet track and the MotoGP field progressing from full wet tires to intermediates to slicks as the surface slowly dried.

Kawasaki's Randy de Puniet set the fastest time in a drying second MotoGP practice at Sepang.

With new asphalt covering several sections of Sepang’s 5.548km (3.447-mile) lap, the track’s surface grip is expected to increase throughout the weekend. Practice continues on Saturday morning with the one-hour qualifying session beginning at 1.50pm local time. The 21-lap Malaysian Grand Prix begins at 3pm local time on Sunday (9am CET, 8am UK).