23 September,2023 09:38 AM IST | Greater Noida | AFP
Mooney VR46 Racing’s Italian driver Luca Marini at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida yesterday. Pic/AFP
Luca Marini topped Friday's second practice session at India's MotoGP debut at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).
The Italian, who rides a Ducati for VR46 Racing, lapped the Buddh circuit in one minute, 44.782 seconds, which was 0.008sec ahead of Jorge Martin on a Pramac Ducati and 0.051sec in front of Aprilia Racing's Aleix Espargaro.
Marini, who claimed his first MotoGP podium at the Americas Grand Prix in April, stands seventh in the 2023 overall championship standings led by fellow Italian Franceso Bagnaia.
Reigning world champion Bagnaia, on a factory Ducati, was 15th after the morning practice but put in a better run in the second session to come in seventh.
In MotoGP, the 10 quickest riders in practice take part in the final qualifying session on Saturday for the first 12 places on the grid.
They are joined by the two fastest riders from the first qualifying session, which sets spots 13 to 22. Marco Bezzecchi topped the morning practice but finished fifth after the second session on one minute, 45.202sec.
India is hosting the 13th of the 20 MotoGP races this season. The Buddh track on the outskirts of capital New Delhi hosted Formula One for three seasons until 2013. Riders have raised concerns about some corners and walls too close to the asphalt.
Top 10 timings
Luca Marini 1 min, 44.782secs
Jorge Martin 0.008secs
Aleix Espargaro 0.051
Marc Marquez 0.335
Marco Bezzecchi 0.420
Maverick Vinales 0.431
Francesco Bagnaia 0.498
Fabio Quartararo 0.509
Johann Zarco 0.523
Joan Mir 0.550
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