Ducati Lenovo’s Francesco Bagnaia was fastest out of the blocks on day 1, just 0.071s ahead of Team Suzuki ECSTAR’s Alex Rins, who will be aiming to finish this weekend’s #ItalianGP with a strong result, following 3 successive DNFs. Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Franco Morbidelli placed 3^rd, making him the top Independent rider, despite his ongoing knee injury.

Much of the field improved their times over the course of the 2^nd free practice session. Monster Energy Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo ended the opening day of the #ItalianGP 4^th overall. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveria finished up day 1 in 5^th and 6^th respectively, an incredibly strong showing from the Austrian manufacturer.

LCR Honda IDEMITSU’s Takaaki Nakagami placed 7^th, however his fastest time set was identical to Monster Energy Yamaha’s Maverick Viñales’ fastest time during FP1, meaning Viñales would place 8^th overall. Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro placed 9^th, looking strong to secure a direct spot in Q2. Ducati Lenovo’s Jack Miller, who comes off the back of 2 consecutive race wins, placed 10^th, he expressed some frustration over traffic during the FP2 session, perhaps there is more to come from the Ducati man throughout tomorrow’s qualifying sessions.

Top Rookie on the opening day of the #ItalianGP was SKY VR46 Esponsorama Racing’s Luca Marini, who placed 16^th, just 1.007s off Bagnaia’s best time.

Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco found himself outside the top 10, with no improvement for the Frenchman throughout the FP2 session. Reigning World Champion Team Suzuki ECSTAR’s Joan Mir placed 12^th, leaving him with some work to do in order to secure a direct spot in Q2. Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez placed 13^th, whilst Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Valentino Rossi placed 21^st, leaving a lot to be desired during qualifying.

With the weather in Tuscany remaining more consistent than that at Le Mans, FP3 will give those outside the top 10 a good chance to push forward and fight for a direct Q2 spot.