MotoGP LIVE Portimao Q1: Cal Crutchlow keeps the fun going, Morbidelli too

Article updated until the end of the session

Having a quality squad in a Q1 was not an originality in this disheveled season. But never has this repechage session, which will allow its two best drivers to continue the adventure in a qualifying final where pole position will be played out, brought together eleven world titles... Including the World Champion freshly crowned a week ago in Valencia…

Joan mir did not think he was saying so well by proclaiming to anyone who would listen at the end of the first day of this Portuguese Grand Prix, that he was very happy to have won his crown in Valencia. Because Portimao is a hell of a piece. And he experiences it since here he is in Q1 with his Suzuki…The one who was also titled in Moto3 is however in good company since we also find in this peloton a Valentino Rossi to the nine consecrations. And who, for the moment, is not saying goodbye to the factory team that he hoped for Yamaha .

These two are far from having their ticket for Q2 in their pocket. We thus find as a competitor Franco Morbidelli, triple winner this season, including the last race, Cal Crutchlow, which is the last one this weekend, Aleix Espargaró, third Friday with theAprilia, or Brad Binderur a good KTM. bagnaia could also wake up... So, what will these 15 minutes have in store for us?

A competition which is delayed due to a track inspection imposed by that…

The opportunity to take stock of the facts already experienced on the clock…

MotoGP™ Portimao	2020
October test	1'40.170 Aleix Espargaro (See here)
FP1	1'40.122 Miguel Oliveira (See here)
FP2	1'39.417 Johann Zarco (See here)
FP3	1'39.205 Jack Miller (See here)
FP4	1'40.150 Pol Espargaro (See here)

15:15 p.m., the track is open, and hostilities are launched. 23° in the air and 28° on the track, conditions are still ideal in Portimao for motorcycling.

The first reference is signed by the World Champion Joan mir in 1'40.290. Follows Morbidely to… 2 thousandths. The tone is set ! Savadori is third with the Aprilia. But it doesn't last. Morbidely takes off in 1'39.603. Alex Espargaro is second, in front Brad Binder, Cal Cruuchlow et Alex Marquez which closes this top 5 at Valentino Rossi.

However, this first assault is the prerogative ofAlex Espargaro in 1'39.762 car Morbidely has his time canceled. Brad Binder is second.

The second charge is launched. The last five minutes have begun... Crutchlow takes control in 1'39.250. Morbidely positions himself second. Alex Espargaro third is half a second away. Is mass said? We are entering the last minute.

Under the checkered flag, the Englishman maintains the advantage and Morbidelli will accompany him in Q2. Brad Binder is the first eliminated. Joan Mir will only start 20th and Rossi 17th. ..

MotoGP Portimao Q1: classification

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com