Alex Marquez makes solid start at Motegi

Fresh from his stunning first Moto2 podium finish in Motorland Aragon last month, Álex Márquez was again a leading protagonist in both 45-minute sessions as the Japanese Grand Prix weekend got underway at Motegi.

Ninth fastest this morning, the Spaniard was able to improve his speed by nearly a second and a quickest lap of 1’51.267 moved him one place up the leaderboard at the conclusion to FP2.

The 20-year-old’s pace certainly looks competitive enough to fight for the rostrum again, with Márquez less than 0.1s away from Motorland Aragon winner Sam Lowes in fourth position.

Álex Márquez: 8th – 1’51.267
“I am happy with today because throughout we were able to make a lot of improvements and in FP2 I was close to the top for the whole session. I am struggling a little bit again with the new tyres and it takes me longer to make the fast pace than some of the other guys. I need to adjust better to getting more performance out of fresh rubber and understand more when I can push. Today was positive though and already I am confident I can have a strong race on Sunday.”

Source: Marc VDS Racing