Pedro Acosta set the pace in the opening practice session for the Austrian MotoGP, leading a KTM 1-2 with a time of 1m29.851s. The Spaniard edged out KTM test rider and Tech3 stand-in Pol Espargaro by 0.233 seconds.
From the early stages at the Red Bull Ring, Acosta demonstrated why many in the paddock consider him the favourite for the Austrian Grand Prix. He initially set a 1m30.134s before improving to his benchmark time with just over 35 minutes remaining. No one could challenge his position at the top of the timesheets thereafter.
Acosta stuck with the same medium rear tyre he started the session on, and came close to beating his leading lap in the closing stages. Espargaro, who was the only crasher in the session, fitted a fresh medium rear for the final run and jumped up to second with a 1m30.084s.
Behind the KTM duo, Jorge Martin of Aprilia took third with a 1m30.159s. He also ran a fresh medium rear tyre in the closing stages but couldn't improve his time. Championship leader Marc Marquez was fourth, 0.335s off the pace, on the factory Ducati. Marquez consistently used the same tyre throughout the session.
Johann Zarco was fifth for LCR Honda, followed by Marco Bezzecchi sixth on the factory Aprilia as he looks to bounce back from his San Marino Grand Prix crash. Raul Fernandez was seventh on the Trackhouse Aprilia, while Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez was eighth. Alex ran through the gravel at Turn 4 in the latter stages after one of his aero attachments came loose.
Diogo Moreira was ninth on the second LCR Honda, while factory Honda rider Luca Marini completed the top 10. Jack Miller was the leading Yamaha in 13th, as Fabio Quartararo tested a new exhaust on his factory M1.
Pecco Bagnaia's difficult run continued on Friday morning at the Red Bull Ring, with the Italian 1.122s off the pace in 18th. Ai Ogura was 19th as he returns to action from a hand injury that forced him out of the last two rounds.
Acosta's performance in FP1 sends a strong signal that he and KTM will be contenders throughout the weekend. However, with Marquez and Martin yet to show their full potential, the battle for victory on Sunday is expected to intensify.
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