MotoGP Mugello: Foggia takes Moto3 opening day honours at home

Leopard’s Dennis Foggia kicked off his defence of the Moto3 Italian Grand Prix with the fastest time on Friday.

Last year’s victor set the pace in the morning practice with a 1’56.916 which remained unbeaten by the close of play. Red Bull KTM’s Jaume Masia and Sterilgarda Husqvarna’s John McPhee completed the top three after the first day of action.

The lightweight class kicked off with a full set for the first time in 2022 as BOE rider David Muñoz was finally old enough to take to the track, with no replacement riders needed for the Italian GP. His teammate Ana Carrasco making history once again as she looks to line up for the most starts by a female rider in world championship racing this weekend. A solemn paddock paying tribute to Jason Dupasquier following the loss of the PruestelGP rider at the Tuscan track last season.

The home talent shone from the early stages as Rivacold Snipers’ Andrea Migno and returning Alberto Surra took charge in the opening times, fellow Italian Foggia sitting third on the Leopard machine before Sic58’s Riccardo Rossi set the first 1’59 of the morning. Surra bettered his teammate next time around as the pair returned the top with Ajo’s Masia joining the fight on his fourth attempt.

Five down and Foggia was back on form with 1’58 pace from Green Power’s Kaito Toba and Avintia’s Matteo Bertelle. Diogo Moreira continuing his impressive rookie run from fifth with Izan Guevara, Migno, Carlos Tatay and Surra completing the top ten after the opening quarter of an hour. McPhee began Max Racing’s special weekend from 13th with VisionTrack’s Scott Ogden and Josh Whatley sitting 20th and 26th respectively in the opening stages.

The last ten minutes found Foggia firmly at the top with a 1’58.417 pace