MotoGP, Le Mans: Miller fastest in free practice. Marc Marquez crashes twice

Two tumbles and at least a couple of riders who send him to hell because he shamelessly exploits the slipstream or always attacks at the limit of the regulations: Marc Marquez is back. He recovered from Portimao’s broken right thumb, he hasn’t lost his habit of causing discussions: and in both FP1 and FP2 he ended up in the gravel, damaging his RC213V. The first day of free practice rewards the Australian Miller, from morning to afternoon fastest of all riding the KTM. Thanks to the 8th fastest time, the Honda Cannibal gains direct entry to Q2, just 0.0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000030 ahead of Pecco Bagnaia in the 3rd time of a 35 thousandths ahead of Pecco Bagnaia 35. too cold for the mediums up front, who betrayed several riders in the afternoon – but in turn it hits the qualifications of the best and shows that the pace is good.

The Aprilia goes fast, the CEO Rivola smiles

Aleix Espargaro once again climbs onto the virtual podium with his Aprilia. “We are satisfied because this is not a track that favors us”, smiles Massimo Rivola, CEO of the Noale racing department, who places the other official team rider, Vinales, in sixth position. The Mooney Vr46 team confirms the splendid form and ambition of another talented Ducatista: Bezzecchi, 2nd in the world standings, takes the third step of the podium on Friday, 2 tenths behind Miller. His teammate Marini finishes 11th after a beautiful morning, however, it is Alex Marquez who steals the direct Q2 from him by just 3 thousandths of a second. Like him, the usual Quartararo (12th) will be forced into Q1 tomorrow morning, suffering like Morbidelli (17th) with the official Yamaha. “We keep making changes, but they don’t work: we suffer too much,” admits the Frenchman. Half of those in Q2 ride jewels from Borgo Panigale: Martin (4th) and Zarco (5th) in the Pramac version must be added to Bezzecchi, Bagnaia and Marquez junior. The grid of the best is completed by Binder’s KTM. Disappointment for the other Hondas, with Mir and Rins. Absent Bastianini, the other Gp23 went to Petrucci (19th) who inevitably pays for a gap of more than 2 seconds.

Bezzecchi: “Good third time, but I can do better”

“Ktm is confirming that it is going fast, as it has been in the last few races. Marc Marquez has great talent, but it is evident that he is struggling with his Honda. This is one of the tracks I like the most and this afternoon – despite the wind – I had fun”, says Jack Miller, once again in front of everyone. Aleix Espargarò seems satisfied: “At the start of the time attack I was cautious, then I pushed and did 2 laps really fast: it’s a pity the cold conditions us a bit in keeping the front tire warm”. Bezzecchi smiles too: “I’m happy, because I already felt good this morning but in the afternoon I managed to improve in several points. The pace is very good, when it came time to set the time trial he could have done more, but the team did a good job” .