Alex Marquez Tops MotoGP FP1 at Silverstone, Bezzecchi Impresses on Return

Alex Marquez hit the ground running as MotoGP returned from its summer break. The Gresini Ducati rider set the fastest time in first practice for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Friday, with a 1m58.692s lap that stood unbeaten from 10 minutes into the session.

Behind him, Marco Bezzecchi marked his return from injury with a strong second place, just 0.173s adrift. The Aprilia rider was declared fit on Thursday after a crash in qualifying at the German GP, and he picked up right where he left off.

Pedro Acosta (KTM) took third, despite a crash at Turn 15 midway through the session. He was able to improve his time later on fresh tyres. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Aprilia) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati) rounded out the top five.

Read AlsoAlex Marquez Tops MotoGP UK FP1, Beats Bezzecchi

Marc Marquez was sixth, ahead of Ai Ogura. Championship leader Jorge Martin could only manage eighth, narrowly avoiding a collision with Yamaha wildcard Augusto Fernandez in the closing stages.

Franco Morbidelli and Pecco Bagnaia, returning from arm pump surgery, completed the top 10. The session also saw stand-in riders Iker Lecuona (replacing Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini), Pol Espargaro (for Maverick Vinales at KTM), and Cal Crutchlow at LCR Honda.

With Marquez and Bezzecchi showing strong pace, the Silverstone weekend is shaping up to be a closely fought contest. Can they challenge the established order? Qualifying will be the next test.