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The total or partial reproduction of text, photographs or illustrations is not permitted in any form.
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.
It was Johann Zarco who led the way during FP1, leading a Ducati 1-2 after Francesco Bagnaia joined him as the only riders to set a sub 2 minute lap time.
Good afternoon and welcome back to the opening day of action at Silverstone. Coming up in ten minutes time is MotoGP FP2.
Following a crash during this morning's FP1 which saw Sam Lowes suffer a dislocated left shoulder, the Elf Marc VDS rider has since been ruled out of the British Grand Prix.
Lowes joins Pedro Acosta in being ruled out of the weekend.
Following a medical check this morning, Moto2 rider Pedro Acosta has been ruled out of the remainder of the British Grand Prix weekend due to his recent broken leg injury.
A statement from Red Bull KTM Ajo said: "After the last medical check-up this morning, Pedro Acosta has been declared unfit and will not participate in the BritishGP"
Team boss of LCR Honda, Lucio Cecchinello, has confirmed no decision has been made regarding who the second rider for 2023 will be: “So, together with Honda, we haven’t taken any final decision for the future. Definitely, those next two, three races will be very, very important for Taka’s future."
Moto2 FP1 - CLICK HERE for the full results
"For sure this weekend will be so important," Martin told MotoGP.com "These two weekends (Silverstone and Red Bull Ring) are just before the decision of Ducati for next season. My future depends a little bit on this decision but it won’t change a lot.
"Even if I stay in Pramac or [factory] Ducati, on the technical side it will still be the same. I’m quite relaxed about that.
"Just I want to make results and my target is if not battling for the win, then the podium. That’s for sure."
MotoGP FP1: CLICK HERE for the full results
Zarco takes top spot in FP1 for the British MotoGP ahead of Bagnaia and Rins.
What a lap by Zarco as he breaks the 2m barrier. The Pramac rider goes fastest with a 1:59.893s - Bagnaia has also moved into the top three.
However, Quartararo has managed to overhaul Rins thanks to a time of 2:00.438s
It appears as though FP2 will see the majority of riders set time attacks as race runs are conitnuing in the closing stages of FP1.
Aleix Espargaro goes second fastest for Aprilia with just over five minutes remaining.
Last year's Silverstone polesitter Pol Espargaro is enjoying a good FP1 - currently sixth fastest for Repsol Honda.
Two crashes for Ducati as Zarco crashes at turn seven.
Putting his early problems to one side, Quartararo is continuing to go quicker after moving into P2.
Quartararo goes 11th as Rins goes back to the top.
Quartararo is currently last but that should change soon...
Quartararo has left pit lane on the same machine that lost power a few moments ago.
Following the early drama for Bagnaia and Quartararo, it's Maverick Vinales who is now atop the leaderboard.
It's been an impressive start to FP1 for Suzuki as Alex Rins currently leads the way.
With one title contender already in trouble, Quartararo was next to suffer problems as his M1 lost power.
Francesco Bagnaia has crashed at turn four. Disaster for the Ducati rider.
It's a French 1-2 at the moment as Quartararo goes fastest from Zarco.
Fabio Quartararo kicks up some dust on his out lap after pushing track limits, something that could be a theme for riders this weekend.