Marc Marquez set the fastest time during the opening practice session of the Australian MotoGP at the Phillip Island circuit. The Spaniard clocked a lap of 1 minute 27.985 seconds, finishing just 0.048 seconds ahead of Raul Fernandez.
Jorge Martin finished the session in seventh place on his Aprilia, while Marco Bezzecchi secured fourth on a similar machine. Bezzecchi currently holds third place in the overall standings.
Marquez maintains a two-point lead over Martin in the championship rankings. Several riders encountered incidents during the session, including Iker Lecuona, who bounced off a tyre wall at Turn 7 after a fall.
Jack Miller crashed out at Turn 2, and Brad Binder experienced a significant engine failure on the main straight. Phillip Island has hosted the race since 1997, but the event will move to a street circuit in Adelaide next year.
The second practice session is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm (0400 GMT).
