MotoGP France J1: what time are the free practice sessions this Friday?

Let's go for the French Grand Prix! After two consecutive crashes in the race at Termas de Río Hondo and Austin, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was able to bounce back in the best possible way at Jerez by pocketing 34 points out of 37 possible. The World Champion will try this weekend to achieve his first success at Le Mans in the premier class, as he approaches this French meeting as overall leader, with 22 points ahead of his compatriot Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) which remains in a major disappointment on the side of Jerez.

With only one point scored over the entire weekend, the native of Rimini must react quickly if he does not want to see Pecco Bagnaia fly away or even have their second place stolen. Indeed, a driver particularly distinguished himself in Andalusia and made a giant leap in the ranking: Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Winner of his second Sprint race and author of a fantastic second place in the race, the South African showed that the RC16 could play for the win and the 27-year-old driver is now hot on the heels of the Italian, who only has three more points. .

Although the Borgo Panigale factory remains on three consecutive successes in France, the Ducati will have competition in Sarthe. Indeed, this weekend at Le Mans marks the return to competition of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda team), injured since his fall in the first laps of the Portuguese Grand Prix. Although he will probably need a period of adaptation, the Honda driver has won three times on the Bugatti circuit. Armed with the KTM, Jack Miller will also be closely monitored.

That's right, people! Happy faces because they're back on their KTM RC16's tomorrow. 🤟#KTM #ReadyToRace #FrenchGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/6wQmcnPwSh

— Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (@KTM_Racing) May 11, 2023

The French Grand Prix is also Moto2 and Moto3

As for Moto2, after another podium in Jerez two weeks ago, Peter Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) joined Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) at the top of the Moto2 World Championship. Both men are tied with 74 points, or 22 more than their closest pursuer. Aron canet (Pons Wegow Los40). In this leading trio, the Spanish driver is the only one to have already been on a podium at Le Mans, with a second place last year. The winner of the Spanish Grand Prix, Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), will also be one to watch, the Briton being the only man in the intermediate category to have already triumphed on this track.

Let's end with the Moto3. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is once again the sole leader in the general standings. The young Spaniard is four lengths behind his Brazilian rival Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), who is still chasing his first Grand Prix victory. Just behind, we find an impressive Ivan Ortolá (Angeluss MTA Team), winner of the last two races contested. It should also be noted that two riders on the Moto3 grid have already enjoyed success on the Le Mans circuit. In fact, the fourth overall James Masia (Leopard Racing) won last year in Sarthe while Roman Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) triumphed there in 2015.

You are amazing, French fans! Thank you 🫶🏼 #FrenchGP #ForzaDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/ajQNsgbKin

- Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) May 11, 2023