Marc Marquez topped a damp opening first MotoGP practice for the Aragon Grand Prix, while the returning Valentino Rossi ended the morning 18th fastest.
Yamaha rider Rossi suffered a double break of his right leg in a training accident 22 days ago, and was expected to miss this weekend’s 14th round of the season after sitting out his home round a Misano two weeks ago.
Declared fit to ride on Thursday, Rossi completed eight laps of the 3.15-mile Spanish circuit despite the rain, and was 18th fastest on a 2m04.066s.
It is not known yet if he will participate in this afternoon’s second session. If not, Yamaha World Superbike rider Michael van der Mark will take his place.
Honda’s Marquez took over top spot halfway through the 45-minute session with a 2m02.006s, and continued to chip away at that laptime to an eventual 2m01.243s to go half a second clear of team-mate Dani Pedrosa.
Early pacesetter Johann Zarco completed the top three on his Tech3 Yamaha, with wet weather specialists Jack Miller just 0.071 second adrift in fourth spot.
KTM wildcard Mika Kallio – making his third race appearance this year – completed the top five from Jorge Lorenzo, while Cal Crutchlow headed Misano podium finisher Danilo Petrucci in seventh.
Suzuki’s Andrea Iannone ended the session ninth, with joint championship leader Andrea Dovizioso rounding out the top 10 from Scott Redding and 2016 Aragaon Moto2 race winner Sam Lowes.
All but Bradley Smith on the third KTM RC16 present this weekend posted a laptime in the iffy conditions, the Briton hindered by a technical issue midway through the session.
Aspar’s Alvaro Bautista also encountered an electrical issue with his Ducati GP16, but still managed 10 laps. The Spaniard ended the session 19th quickest ahead of Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales.
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