Marquez sixth on combined timesheet for two sessions and teammate Rins is ninth.
The two Repsol riders immersed in the fight for the Moto3 title had a normal first day of practice for the Australian Grand Prix. As is customary at Phillip Island, the weather played a prominent role. In the morning, the riders were able to enjoy a track in good condition and with no wind. This allowed them to ride very fast in the first session, at record pace for the Australian circuit.
In the first free practice session, Alex Marquez set the second fastest time –behind Danny Kent– with a 1:37.142. He was two tenths behind the session’s top lap. Alex Rins was fifth, 3 tenths off Kent, with a time of 1:37.258.
In the afternoon the wind picked up and only a select number of riders were able to lower their times –taking risks in the process. Marquez and Rins opted to take things cautiously and did not better their morning laps. Overall, Marquez was sixth and Rins ninth.
Alex Rins >> Audio
9th, 1’37.258 Sec., 38 Laps, 169 km.
“From the beginning I was able to ride very fast, and at record pace. In the afternoon the conditions were not the best for riding; it was very windy and the track temperature was colder, so it was impossible to improve our times from the morning. Today we finished ninth on the combined timesheet, so we have to continue working ahead of the race on Sunday”.
Alex Marquez >> Audio
6th, 1’37.142 Sec., 34 Laps, 151 km.
“I’m happy, overall I think it was a good day. I had a very good base from the beginning and in the first session we were on record pace, so it was a very fun session. The weather was good, and at this circuit you enjoy yourself a lot when it isn’t windy. Although the base is good, tomorrow we can continue to improve and I can also better my riding at certain points. We will try to be just as focused tomorrow. Today we worked very well and tomorrow we will look at the times to start the race on the first or second row, but here the times are tight and it will not be easy”.
