Reigning Champion and winner of four-in-a-row at COTA Marc Marquez took to the top once again in MotoGP Warm Up in Texas, setting a late fast lap to extend his advantage over key rival Maverick Vinales up to a tenth and a half.
Dani Pedrosa was third quickest ahead of expected podium rival Valentino Rossi, with Cal Crutchlow completing the top five.
Marc Marquez took back the top of the timesheets at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, as the number 93 put in a late charge on soft rubber to go fastest on Friday with a 2:04.061 – 0.296 clear of an incredible performance from Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rookie Johann Zarco. Championship leader Maverick Vinales was third quickest on combined times after topping FP1.
Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi shot up into the top five late in the day as riders put in some time attacks, taking P4 by 0.005 from Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa.
Andrea Dovizioso was sixth quickest as he looks to put his bad luck in the Americas behind him, ahead of LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow - who also suffered a crash in FP1.
FP2 was punctuated by a big crash for Pull&Bear Aspar Team’s Karel Abraham down the road from T11, with the Czech rider up and headed to the Medical Centre thereafter. Abraham has suffered a small fracture in his ankle and will be reviewed again on Saturday. Loris Baz was another crasher at T1, rider ok, and there was a mechanical problem for Team Suzuki Ecstar rookie Alex Rins early in the second session of the day – with the Spaniard back out soon after on the second bike.
Jonas Folger was second fastest rookie in an impressive eighth, ahead of Octo Pramac Racing’s Scott Redding and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Andrea Iannone, who completed the top ten.
Marc Marquez took P1 in COTA FP4, leading from teammate Dani Pedrosa, who also suffered a low drama lowside at T1.
Maverick Vinales was third, with Jack Miller and Cal Crutchlow completing the top five as Honda dominated the final practice session ahead of Q1 and Q2.
Maverick Vinales shot first in what could shape up to be a classic duel at the Circuit of the Americas, taking P1 by 0.577 from reigning Champion Marc Marquez. Andrea Dovizioso completed the top three.
The sole crasher was LCR Honda rider and Argentina podium finisher Cal Crutchlow, who took a tumble at Turn 6 – rider ok. Pol Espargaro also had a spectacular moment as the rear wheel kicked out, but came to a safe stop in the run off area.
