Mandalika, Indonesia - October 3, 2024 – In a stunning turn of events during the opening Free Practise 1 (FP1) session at the Mandalika International Street Circuit, all five MotoGP manufacturers outperformed Ducati, traditionally a dominant force on the track. Luca Marini (Honda) set the fastest lap time of 1:30.809, eclipsing expectations and signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape.
The unexpected result raises questions about Ducati’s current performance and strategy as the championship heads towards its final stages. while Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion, currently leads the standings, his disappointing 17th-place finish in FP1 – over a second off the pace – underscores a potential vulnerability. This session’s outcome impacts not only Ducati’s race weekend preparations but also the strategies of rival teams, who will be eager to capitalize on any perceived weakness.
The top five positions were claimed by riders from different manufacturers: Marini (Honda) led the way, followed by Pedro Acosta (KTM) at +0.136 seconds, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) at +0.237 seconds, Alex Rins (Yamaha) at +0.426 seconds, and Marc Márquez (Ducati) at +0.462 seconds. This diverse portrayal at the top demonstrates a notable leveling of the playing field.
Earlier in the day, the Aprilia team confirmed that Jorge Martin, fresh off a crash in Motegi, underwent accomplished surgery for a broken right collarbone – his 18th broken bone of the season. Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini-Ducati) also suffered a fall in curve 8 during the session, resulting in multiple tumbles in the gravel.
FP1 Results – Mandalika (October 3):
- Luca Marini (I), Honda, 1:30.809
- Pedro Acosta (E), KTM, +0.136 sec
- Marco Bezzecchi (I), Aprilia, +0.237 sec
- Alex Rins (E), Yamaha, +0.426 sec
- Marc Márquez (E), ducati, +0.462 sec
- Jack Miller (AUS), Yamaha, +0.499 sec
- Fabio Quartararo (F), Yamaha, +0.533 sec
- fabio Di Giannantonio (I), Ducati, +0.607 sec
- Joan Mir (E), Honda, +0.643 sec
- Alex Márquez (E), Ducati, +0.678 sec
- Raúl Fernández (E), Aprilia, +0.718 sec
- Franco Morbidelli (I), Ducati, +0.809 sec
- Johann Zarco (F), Honda, +0.811 sec
- Brad Binder (ZA), KTM, +0.897 sec
- Maverick Viñales (E), KTM, +0.931 sec
- Fermin Aldeguer (E), Ducati, +1.001 sec
- Francesco Bagnaia (I), Ducati, +1.091 sec
- Enea bastianini (I), KTM, +1.304 sec
- Miguel Oliveira (P), Yamaha, +1.416 sec
- Somkiat Chantra (T), Honda, +1.442 sec
