Qatar winner Yamaha's Maverick Vinales was top in FP1 at the Gran Premiode la Republica Argentina, leading the session from Octo Pramac Racing’s Danilo Petrucci and Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rookie Johann Zarco.
With weather going forward a little unknown and the track rubbering in gradually, there was a late rush from many on the grid to set a time.
Jonas Folger was P4 to impress once again, ahead of a late dash from Pull&Bear Aspar Team’s Karel Abraham. Andrea Iannone, Andrea Dovizioso, Hector Barbera , Jack Miller and Alvaro Bautista completed the top ten.
Around half way through the session, Viñales had a big wobble towards the end of the lap, and it was Marc Marquez’ (Repsol Honda Team) turn next as the reigning Champion then lowsided off the track at Turn 2 – rider ok.
Marquez was P11, with Aleix Espargaro, Scott Redding separating him from LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow in P14 – with Jorge Lorenzo completing the top 15.
Behind Lorenzo was Valentino Rossi, with Dani Pedrosa another of the big names further down the timesheets in the shuffled session, in P19.