Marc Marquez began an important weekend for the championship in great fashion, ending the first free practice session in first place.
The championship leader was able to beat out his championship rival Andrea Dovizioso, who would end the morning in fourth place. Johann Zarco was second, just a week after his pole position at Motegi.
Jack Miller was third, impressing in front of his home crowd. Maverick Vinales was fifth, whilst Andrea Iannone was sixth. Pol Espargaro was seventh, with Jorge Lorenzo ending the morning session down in eighth place.
Bradley Smith had a good session, finishing in ninth, whilst fellow Brit Cal Crutchlow was tenth. Dani Pedrosa was down in eleventh place, whilst Aleix Espargaro was twelfth.
It was a disappointing session for Valentino Rossi. The Italian was all the way down in thirteenth place, and will be looking to improve his times later on in the second free practice session. That session gets underway at 05:15 BST.
