Live Updates: Austrian MotoGP Friday Practice at Red Bull Ring
The 2024 Austrian MotoGP Grand Prix kicked off with intensity at the iconic Red Bull Ring, where riders faced the first free practice sessions this Friday. Ducati’s dominance was evident, and expectations for the race are even higher after a day full of action and twists.
The afternoon practice session was marked by an impressive performance from Francesco Bagnaia, who not only topped the timesheets but also broke the track lap record with a time of 1:28.508. Ducati, in fact, showcased its power by securing the top four positions, with Franco Morbidelli, Jorge Martin, and Marc Marquez completing the leading quartet.
Marc Marquez, who had previously set the fastest time in one of the early runs, was soon overtaken by Pramac Ducati riders Morbidelli and Martin, who stood out in the final time attack laps. Despite strong competition, Marquez remained competitive and finished among the top four.
Another highlight of the day was the performance of Maverick Viñales with his Aprilia, who managed to improve his time during the first time attack and briefly figured among the top five. However, it was a tough day for KTM, with Brad Binder being the only rider from the team to directly qualify for Q2, while Pol Espargaró faced mechanical issues, stopping on the track near turn four.
The day was also challenging for some of the new talents in the category. Pedro Acosta, who made his debut this season, suffered three crashes throughout the day, the last one at turn nine. Fortunately, he didn’t sustain any serious injuries and was able to continue practicing. Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio also faced difficulties, both experiencing crashes but without major consequences.
As the session progressed, the riders began to focus on race simulations, testing tire wear and pace consistency. Bagnaia, for instance, consistently lapped in the 1:29 range, indicating that Ducati is well-prepared for the race.
With such a busy and unpredictable Friday, expectations for the rest of the weekend are sky-high. The challenging conditions of the Red Bull Ring promise more surprises, and MotoGP fans can look forward to intense battles in the qualifying sessions and Sunday’s race. Ducati’s dominance, KTM’s struggles, and the attempts at recovery by other riders will be the key points to watch closely as the Austrian Grand Prix unfolds.
