MotoGP: Miller leads Ducati 1-2 on Day 1 at Motegi

Jack Miller has set the pace in a Ducati Lenovo Team one-two in an extended opening practice session for the MotoGP field at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan.

The Australian set a 1m44.509s time during his late time attack run at Mobility Resort Motegi to finish FP1 0.028 seconds ahead of teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

However, the man who still leads the title race, Fabio Quartararo took third and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), a close third in the points, was fourth on the opening day in Japan.

Aragon GP winner Enea Bastianini, on the other hand, was just 14th-fastest after a late crash.

One pilot who has lots of miles around Motegi, although relatively few in MotoGP in recent years, is a certain Marc Marquez.

At his constructors’ own track, the Repsol Honda Team rider claimed sixth with a 1:44.656 after being the initial pace-setter in the session.

It was an encouraging result for the eight-time World Champion despite displaying obvious shoulder soreness when he got off his RC213V at the end of one run, in what is his second round back following surgery on his right arm.

Friday Practice Results