MotoGP Argentina: Nakagami tops FP1 after last minute arrival

LCR Honda’s Takaaki Nakagami put on a sensational showcase in Argentina after topping FP1 having initially been ruled out of the MotoGP weekend.

Monster Energy Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo headed an Espargaro brother assault in the top four with a stunning ride from Mooney VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi to fifth.

After four hours of junior class track action, MotoGP finally took to the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit as the first hour of free practice fired up on Saturday afternoon. There was a surprise appearance from Idemitsu’s Nakagami after Friday’s cancellation and delays in action gave the Japanese rider the chance to both test negative and travel to Argentina in time for Saturday’s FP1 start. Repsol Honda’s Stefan Bradl also returning to the premier class grid as replacement for the re-injured Marc Marquez.

Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro took charge as the hour-long opener began, 1’41.040 the initial strike before his teammate Maverick Viñales arrived. It was a blink and you miss it visit however as both Espargaro and then Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins took their turns at the top. Quartarao sliding into second moments later as the times continued to tumble.

KTM’s Brad Binder set the pace after the opening ten minutes with a 1’40.590, before the reigning world champion hit back once again. Nakagami prying his fitness with a fourth place effort as LCR teammate Alex Marquez followed narrowly behind in sixth. Miguel Oliveira reinforced the Red Bull RC-16’s strong showing across the season openers as he circulated in eighth just three-tenths adrift of his garage mate. Repsol’s Pol Espargaro and Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin rounding out the top ten.

The multi-manufacturer battle continued as Joan Mir slid the second Suzuki into seventh with a