Lorenzo sets pace in opening practice

First blood in Japan went to Jorge Lorenzo with the Spaniard setting the pace in FP1 ahead of Andrea Iannone with the championship leader, Valentino Rossi, four tenths off the pace of his teammate in third position.

Bradley Smith had a very impressive start to the weekend and was fourth fastest having been quick from the outset. Cal Crutchlow was 11th quickest with Scott Redding 16th on his Marc VDS Honda.

Hector Barbera showed that the Open class bikes could be thorn in the side of the factory machines this weekend with the Avintia Ducati 12th fastest and just over 1.2s off Lorenzo’s pace setting time.