Pedrosa stuns MotoGP field by topping first Jerez practice

In what was his first MotoGP grand prix weekend session since 2021, KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa topped the first practice of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

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Key moments:

> Pedrosa fastest by 0.034s

> Bastianini 22nd in first session since injury

> Nakagami impressive in third

> Points leader Bezzecchi only 14th

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There was some slight cloud cover over the Jerez track, but the conditions were still very hot for the late morning.

Needless to say, he still got it! ⚡️@26_DaniPedrosa TOPS P1 IN JEREZ! 🔥#SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/iBjBaRWQ2y

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) April 28, 2023

Temperatures are expected to soar this weekend and will be a key test for the riders to overcome as the asphalt continues to get greasier.

Conditions this afternoon are likely to get even hotter, meaning FP1 could prove crucial when it comes to who ends the day in the top 10, which determines Q2 spots.

Pedrosa – who had been part of a multi-day private test at the venue earlier this month and was at the sharp end of FP1 throughout – went quickest right at the end of the session, setting a 1m36.770s to displace Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin by 0.034s.

Takaaki Nakagami got the weekend off to a strong start in third for LCR Honda, as Luca Marini (VR46 Ducati) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) rounded out the top five.

Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (VR46 Ducati) could only muster up a time to put him 14th and will be keen to improve on that in FP2 to avoid Q1 on Saturday.

Fabio Quartararo made a small mistake at the beginning of a run at the first corner, forcing him to quickly bail out of the corner and avoid a crash.

The Frenchman – who is yet to qualify his works Yamaha on the front two rows of the grid in 2023 – ended the session 18th.

Enea Bastianini made his first MotoGP appearance since breaking his shoulder during the first round of the year.

The works Ducati rider looked to be struggling on the bike as he continued his recovery, ending FP1 22nd. Like Quartararo, he did not use a fresh soft rear in the closing stages.

Iker Lecuona – who also makes a comeback to MotoGP this weekend to replace the injured Marc Marquez – didn’t have the most straightforward session.

The Repsol Honda stand-in had a reported issue with his RC213V, and ended FP1 24th and last.

Practice 1 Results