---
title: "Vinales underneath circuit record in FP1"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/03/23/vinales-underneath-circuit-record-fp1/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-03-23T17:59:57Z"
modified: "2017-03-23T21:25:01Z"
---

# Vinales underneath circuit record in FP1

Yamaha new boy Maverick Vinales carried on his dominant winter testing form in this evening’s opening practice, topping the timesheets by over half a second from Marc Marquez.

Vinales topped all four winter tests in preparation for his Yamaha debut, and was quick from the off in FP1, going two tenths clear of the field.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/03/652554696.jpg)

As the session drew to a close, many riders opted for a qualifying simulation, and it was during this period that the Spaniard twisted the screw. Almost effortlessly, Vinales dipped six tenths under the circuit record with a 1m54.316s.

Honda’s Marquez ended the evening second quickest, with team-mate Dani Pedrosa completing the top three. MotoGP debutant Jonas Folger put in an impressive 1m55.587s right at the death to elevate himself to fourth ahead of Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo.

LCR’s Cal Crutchlow didn’t have the smoothest of sessions. A mechanical issue as soon as he left the pits robbed him of vital track time. However, the double grand prix winner was able to get back out and end the evening seventh.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/03/652582092.jpg)

Johann Zarco edged Valentino Rossi to eighth place on his Tech 3 Yamaha, whilst Aleix Espargaro rounded out the top 10 on the Aprilia.

Outside of the top 10, Suzuki will be left disappointed. The Hamamatsu manufacturer’s riders were 13th and 18th respectively, with Andrea Iannone almost two seconds off the pace. He headed the Aspar duo of Alvaro Bautista and Karel Abraham, the latter whom suffering a small crash towards the end of the session.

KTM expected a difficult weekend in Qatar after a tough test at the Losail Circuit. However, being 3.3s and 3.7s off the pace in 21st and 23rd is certainly not where they want to be. The Austrian marque has a mighty effort on their hands if they are to be in a position to fight for points on Sunday.

![](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/03/2017-03-23-2-1.png)