P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Defending MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia led the way in the opening premier-class practice session on Friday at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang
Pecco Bagnaia, the defending MotoGP champion, set the pace in the first premier-class practice session at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, needing to make up a 17-point gap to Jorge Martin for a third consecutive title. Despite recording a 1m58.795s time late in the session, conditions improved significantly during the 45 minutes, with Bagnaia and four others opting for the softest medium rear compound towards the end. Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales and VR46 Ducati’s Marco Bezzecchi followed closely behind, while Andrea Iannone managed a ninth-place finish on his return. Top championship contender Martin settled for sixth, sticking with the same rear tire for the entire session, unlike the top three riders who switched for fresh compounds. Yamaha showcased promise with Fabio Quartararo leading before encountering a mechanical issue, assisted by Johann Zarco, indicating a competitive weekend ahead.
