Espargaro fastest as Suzuki debuts new engine

A new engine in the Suzuki has given them a much improved performance in a straight line and even though the powerplant still trails its rivals Aleix Espargaro was able to set the pace at his home race. The Spaniard, who grew up a stone’s throw from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, ended the day three tenths faster than Marc Marquez with Dani Pedrosa offering validation of the improved pace of the Honda.

Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone showed the Ducati will be a contender once again this weekend with the Italian’s sandwiching Maverick Vinales in the top six. Jorge Lorezno was seventh faster but championship leader, Valentino Rossi, had a difficult day and ended up 11th. With rain forecast for tomorrow Rossi may be caught out and forced to take part in QP1 depending on the conditions.

Cal Crutchlow was eighth fastest, Scott Redding had an encouraging day to finish 10th despite a crash, Bradley Smith was 13th and Eugene Laverty 18th.