P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Japanese MotoGP, Motegi – Qualifying Results
Marc Marquez and Raul Fernandez are leading Qualifying 1 and will now compete in the pole position shootout, Qualifying 2, for the 2023 Japanese MotoGP at Motegi. Marquez will be the only rider on a Japanese bike in Q2. Reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia is currently leading the standings by just 13 points over Jorge Martin after a costly fall in the Indian Grand Prix. Marco Bezzecchi’s dominant victory in that race brought him within 44 points of the top. Unfortunately, the Buddh event also resulted in injuries for two full-time riders, Alex Marquez and Luca Marini, who will miss the Motegi round. Alex Rins, who has been sidelined since May due to leg fractures, attempted a return but was declared unfit due to pain in his right leg. HRC test rider Stefan Bradl will take over for Rins, while Michele Pirro continues to substitute for Bastianini at Ducati. Furthermore, Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha test rider, will make his first official wild-card appearance since retiring in 2020. Finally, Joan Mir will have a 2024 Honda prototype this weekend, and Brad Binder and Jack Miller, the factory KTM riders, have access to the factory’s new carbon fibre chassis.
Source: Crash
