Home hero Alex Marquez snatched top spot away from Mattia Pasini in the dying stages of a tight final practice for the Catalan Grand Prix, the top 18 in the session covered by exactly one second.
Marc VDS rider Marquez has looked quick throughout practice so far, and will be one of the favourites for pole position after posting a 1m50.208s lap in the final few seconds to go just 0.076 seconds clear of the field.
Mugello winner Pasini continued to prove his race-winning form from one week ago was no fluke, the Italian heading into this afternoon’s qualifying second overall from Gresini’s Jorge Navarro, who has been impressive so far this weekend.
Dominique Aegerter led the Suter charge on his Kiefer Racing machine, the Swiss rider just 0.368s from top spot in fourth, while Simone Corse took advantage of a new Speed Up chassis and swingarm to end the morning fifth.
Takaaki Nakagami quietly went about his business in sixth, with Miguel Oliveira heading the returning Xavi Vierge in seventh. Championship leader Franco Morbdielli flew under the radar in ninth spot, with Tom Luthi completing the top 10.
Tasca Racing’s Xavier Simeon has had a fairly disappointing season so far, and with rumours abound his position at the team could be under threat for 2018 the Belgian needs to put on a good showing in Barcelona.
Though still early days, 11th and just 0.650s off the pace hints at good things to come from Simeon for the remainder of the weekend. Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Baganaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri and Axel Pons completed the top 15.
