Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha MotoGP Silverstone
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha MotoGP Silverstone

As it happened: Fabio Quartararo tops the opening day of British MotoGP

Round 12 of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship sees the historic Silverstone circuit play host to this weekend’s first Grand Prix since June. 

Update: After Ducati led the way in FP1, reigning MotoGP champion Fabio Quartararo fought back to secure top spot on combined times. 

Winner last time out, Francesco Bagnaia comes into the British Grand Prix looking for his first victory at Silverstone.

That’s not the case for Fabio Quartararo as the series leader won last year’s British MotoGP in dominant style. 

A back-to-back winner prior to Assen where he made an uncharacteristic mistake, Quartararo will have to overcome a Long Lap penalty in Sunday’s race if he is to take a second consecutive Silverstone win. 

Looking to take advantage will no doubt be Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro. The Spaniard has been in sensational form throughout the 2022 season, and if his result at Silverstone last year is any indication - claimed his first podium for Aprilia after finishing third - then another very strong showing should be on the cards. 

Bringing his MotoGP career to an end in only three races time, all eyes will be on three-time MotoGP runner-up Andrea Dovizioso this weekend.

In Moto2, Pedro Acosta has been ruled out following a medical check this morning, while Sam Lowes suffered a dislocated left shoulder during a fast crash in FP1. The British rider has also been ruled out of the remainder of his home round. 

05 Aug 2022
09:56

And we're underway as Joan Mir and Franco Morbidelli are the first riders to head out of pit lane. 

09:50

In case you missed it, Andrea Dovizioso will be retiring from MotoGP after Misano.

Andrea Dovizioso, retirement, British MotoGP 4 August
Andrea Dovizioso, retirement, British MotoGP 4 August

09:42

Good morning and welcome to the opening day of the British MotoGP at Silverstone. Coming up shortly is MotoGP FP1.