MotoGP: Espargaro tops opening practice in Barcelona

The MotoGP battle of Barcelona is underway, and it’s shaping up to be an absolute barnstormer for Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro!

It was utter domination from the Aprilia squad as they took like a duck to water around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) set the fastest time of the session with a stunning 1:39.809 to secure himself the top spot in FP1 of the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.

Just a whisker away from the all-time lap record, the home hero is looking like the man to beat along with his teammate Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) who joined his compatriot in the top two after the Aprilia duo had dominated the Practice 1 session.

Making it a Spanish rider lockout in the top three was Jorge Martin (Prima Prama Racing) who was catching some incredible lean angle onboard his Ducati machine.

Washed up Marc Marquez crashed for a 17th time in 2023 late in the session. He has banged his head so many times, it appears he has a real balance problem and cannot stay up on the bike.

Marquez crashes numerous times each race weekend and just needs to admit it is time to retire.

Practice 1 Results