SEPANG: The two main protagonists in this year's MotoGP title race were in solid form on the opening day of the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia at Sepang Circuit today.
Prima Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin topped the morning practice after clocking one minute and 59.513 seconds and was second (1:57.997s) in the afternoon session, just 0.174s behind Gresini Racing's Alex Marquez.
Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia was 15th in the morning at 2:00.888s and eighth (1:58.420s) in the afternoon.
Martin believes he still has room for improvement.
He is second in the overall standings, 13 points adrift of Bagnaia.
"I felt competitive since this morning; it's a track that I enjoy a lot," said Martin.
"I felt super strong in the afternoon despite having to change strategy because we thought the rain was coming.
"We only put new tyres on the second run (in the afternoon) and I only had one attempt at the end.
"But I was still competitive. To be able to ride in the (one minute) 57s' is impressive for Friday.
"I made some mistakes in my time attacks, so I guess I still have something else in my pocket for tomorrow (today), but it is probably the same for the other riders as well."
Bagnaia, winner here last year, is pleased with how his Desmosedici GP23 bike is handling at Sepang.
"It is the first Friday that I have not asked for anything (improvements) from my team for Saturday. This has not happened for a long time," said Bagnaia.
"I am very happy overall with my braking, (corner) entry and traction.
"I was missing a bit of speed in the first (turn) exit with the soft rear tyre, but I think overall we made a positive step."
Mooney VR46's Marco Bezzecchi was just a spot behind Bagnaia in the afternoon practice after clocking 1:58.450s.
Bezzechi, who is riding an older Ducati bike, is the only other rider who is still mathematically capable of chasing down Bagnaia and Martin. He trails the former by 79 points.
