Moto2: Morbidelli fastest as Kent finds form

Franco Morbidelli has laid down the gauntlet to his Moto2 rivals as he edges closer to his goal of finishing out the 2016 season with a maiden win, topping the opening day of Moto2 action at Valencia by 0.070 from Thomas Luthi and Takaaki Nakagami.

“Today was a really good day, especially during FP2 because I was very fast and also very consistent and my pace was strong. We have to try and keep this pace and also try and improve a little bit but I am really pleased with how it went today. I’ve got to say a big thanks to my team again because they gave me a great package today and I could push at a very fast pace without feeling like I was taking too many risks.”

Sandro Corsi was a surprise fourth on the Speed Up, ahead of Jonas Folger and new champion Johann Zarco. Julian Simon was seventh, ahead of Brit duo of Sam Lowes and Danny Kent, with the former Moto3 world champion having one of his best showings of the season so far in ninth.