A late dash saw Dovizioso steal top spot, setting a time of 1:45:358, whilst Crutchlow set a time of  1:45:463 to place 2^nd. Zarco completed the top 3, with a time of 1:45:483.

Marquez set a time of 1:45:498 placing him 4^th. Viñales placed 5^th with a time of 1:45:640, aboard his Yamaha, he will be looking for another podium this weekend at the Japanese GP. Iannone impressed in FP1, placing 6^th, setting a time of 1:46:030 closely followed by Bautista, who set 1:46:210. Miller looked comfortable aboard his Ducati, placing 8^th and setting a time of 1:46:265, a strong showing from the Australian, who will be looking to draw from previous Ducati success here.

Rossi placed 9^th with a time of 1:46:329. A. Espargaro closely followed, placing 10^th with a time of 1:46:526. Pedrosa found himself 11^th after the first session of the weekend, setting a time of 1:46:568.

Redding placed 12^th with a time of 1:46:854. Nakagami set a time of 1:46:856, placing him 13^th as he continues to impress, placing himself as Top Rookie for the opening session of his home GP. P. Espargaro found himself 14^th after setting a time of 1:46:859, he will look to improve this in FP2. Yamaha wildcard and test rider Nakasuga placed 15^th, with an impressive time of 1:46:872.

Lorenzo, who sustained a wrist injury at the #ThaiGP, tried to ride in this morning’s FP1 session. However, having ridden the bike for just under 10 minutes, he and the Ducati team have decided not to continue with his participation in this weekend’s proceedings. Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Team Manager, spoke to BT Sport, saying that Lorenzo was experiencing a lot of pain in the wrist, he would possibly try again next week, but due to the nature of the withdrawal there would be not replacement rider for Lorenzo this weekend.

All riders will be looking to improve their times during the FP2 session, however, with rain forecast for the afternoon, will anyone be able to snatch Dovizioso’s top spot?