Francesco Bagnaia topped a rain-disrupted Free Practice 1 at Motegi, clocking a best lap of 1:45.209 to lead the session ahead of title rival Jorge Martin, who finished just 0.109 seconds behind.
The session started with a mix of cautious exploration as riders acclimated to the damp conditions, but it quickly became clear that the track would be a challenge. Bagnaia’s early pace established him as the rider to beat, with Fabio Di Giannantonio closing the session in third place, a further 0.380 seconds adrift.
Marc Marquez, returning to form, secured fourth with a time of 1:45.781, just ahead of Jack Miller, who followed closely in fifth.
As the weather continued to play a role, with light rain returning towards the end of the session, many riders opted to retreat to the pits. The decision proved prudent, as conditions deteriorated further. Only a handful of riders ventured back out, including several who aimed to gather crucial data in anticipation of the weekend’s races.
In the closing moments, the session was brought to an end as the rain intensified, marking a premature finish for the majority. The top ten results were rounded out by Marco Bezzecchi, Joan Mir, Johann Zarco, Maverick Viñales, and Enea Bastianini, who all showcased competitive times but struggled to find the grip necessary to challenge the leaders.
