As the conditions remained cloudy, with the possibility of rain, it was KTM’s, P. Espargaro who managed to top the timesheets for the opening session, with a time of 1:24.193. Ducati’s Dovizioso set a time of 1:24.237, to place him 2^nd, as Nakagami followed closely in 3^rd with a time of 1:24.378.

As the MotoGP class got underway at the Red Bull Ring, it was KTM’s P.Espargaro who emerged as the early front runner, topping the session. Ducati’s Dovizioso had a strong start to the weekend in 2^nd, after a weekend to forget at the CzechGP. Honda’s Nakagami had a strong opening to his weekend in 3^rd.

Suzuki’s Rins, who is still carrying a shoulder injury, finished FP1 in 4^th. After a tough morning for the Yamaha camp, Morbidelli, who scored his first MotoGP podium last weekend, placed 5^th in this morning’s first free practice. Esponsorama Racing’s Zarco placed 6^th, with Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Oliveira hot on his heels in 7^th.

Pramac Racing’s Miller placed 8^th, after a difficult weekend at the CzechGP, he will look to improve over the course of this weekend’s AustrianGP. Mir ended the opening session in just 9^th position after having his fastest lap cancelled due to a yellow flag infringement.

Championship leader, Quartararo placed 10^th in FP1, after a difficult morning for the Yamaha riders.

Elsewhere, the top Aprilia was A. Espargaro in 18^th position. Repsol Honda’s representatives, Marquez and Bradl placed 19^th and 21^st respectively.