P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez set the pace in the opening MotoGP practice session of what he sees as a crucial Portuguese Grand Prix weekend at Portimao
Marc Marquez led the way in the initial MotoGP practice session of the pivotal Portuguese Grand Prix weekend at Portimao. This race will be crucial in determining if there are any lingering weaknesses for Marquez to address on his Ducati. Despite concerns about his pace on certain tracks, Marquez showed positive signs during the practice session, which was affected by challenging track conditions due to overnight mud rain. Marquez’s last-minute push helped him secure the top spot ahead of Brad Binder, with Maverick Vinales and Jack Miller also posting strong performances. The competition at Portimao remains tight, as evidenced by the narrow 1.598s margin that separated the top riders by the end of the session.
