Brad Binder unexpectedly set the fastest time in the pre-qualifying sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix, round 16 of the 2024 MotoGP, at the Mobility Resort Motegi circuit. The South African KTM rider led the way with a time of 1'43.436, narrowly ahead of Marc Marquez, who finished just 0.033 seconds behind.
Marc Marquez, after a complicated start to the session, finally brought his Ducati Gresini Desmosedici GP23 into second position, just ahead of the championship leader, George Martin, on the Ducati Pramac GP24 Factory.
Peter Acosta, the rookie of KTM, posted a solid fourth time with his GASGAS Tech3, just 0.147 seconds from the top, whileEnea Bastianini, despite a fall, managed to return to the top five. The official team rider Ducati recovered quickly to set a lap of 1'43.605 on his Desmosedici GP24.
Maverick Vinales, on his Aprilia RS-GP, set the sixth fastest time, confirming his recent good form. He is followed by Pecco Bagnaia, who failed to place better than seventh, 0.318 seconds behind the leader. Alex Marquez, Fabio di Giannantonio, and Marco Bezzecchi also secured their direct place for Q2.
30 minutes in, 30 minutes to turn things around ⌛️@ Bestia23 hit the deck at T13 halfway through Practice but managed to rescue P5 at the end 💥✊ #JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/0pMa89XZD5
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) October 4, 2024
However, several big-name riders will have to go through Q1, including Jack Miller (KTM), Takaaki Nakagami (Honda LCR), Franco Morbidelli (Ducati Pramac), fabio quartararo (Yamaha), Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia), as well as Joan Mir, Johann zarco, and Luca Marini. Lorenzo Savadori, who replaces Miguel Oliveira injured, finished 22nd at the Aprilia TrackHouse.
MotoGP, Japan D1, : chronos
Q2 promises to be an intense battle with several big names already qualified, while Q1 will be an opportunity for the others to fight for a place on the front row. To follow this fight without missing a beat, here is the program for this Saturday at Motegi.
2024 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix Schedule
Saturday 05 October
Moto3 Tests 3 01:40-02:10
Moto2 Tests 3 02:25-02:55
MotoGP Free Practice 2 03:10-03:40
Q1 MotoGP 03:50-04:05
Q2 MotoGP 04:15-04:30
Q1 Moto3 05:50-06:05
Q2 Moto3 06:15-06:30
Q1 Moto2 06:45-07:00
Q2 Moto2 07:10-07:25
MotoGP Sprint Race 08:00