Martin sets lap record as Marquez struggles at French MotoGP

English Woman's Journal - Martin sets lap record as Marquez struggles at French MotoGP

SPORTS 10.05.2024

Martin sets lap record as Marquez struggles at French MotoGP / Photo: Lou BENOIST - AFP

Championship leader Jorge Martin set a lap record on his way to the fastest time in Friday's practice for the French MotoGP as Spaniard Marc Marquez finished outside the top 10, all of whom go directly into the second qualifying session.

Change text size:

Ducati-Pramac rider Martin clocked 1min 30.388sec, with Italy's two-time defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia second best 0.145sec behind on a Ducati.

Spanish teenager Pedro Acosta, 19, was third quickest on a GasGas Tech3 following by compatriot Maverick Vinales (Aprilia) and Italian Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati-VR46).

Six-time world champion Marquez fell at the start of the session with the Spaniard unable to find his rhythm aboard his Ducati-Gresini.

The 31-year-old finished in 13th position and will have to go through Q1 on Saturday to join the 10 already through to Q2.

The top-10 riders participate directly in Saturday's second qualifying session (Q2) to determine the starting grid for the sprint later in the day and Sunday's race.

"This is the first Friday I've been in trouble," Marquez said. "It happens, we now have to understand the reasons. Today, I fought against the bike.”

Frenchman Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha had the tenth fastest time on his 'home' track under the blazing sunshine in western France.

South African Brad Binder (KTM) finished 17th and will also have to participate in Q1 on Saturday.

The same goes for the Italian Enea Bastianini (11th) whose place in the official Ducati team next season is threatened by Marquez and Martin.

Martin leads the championship with 92 points, closely followed by Bagnaia (75 pts), Bastianini (70), Acosta (69), Maverick Vinales (63) and Marquez (60).

A.Wallace--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.