MotoGP Practice 1 Report – Sepang Circuit, Malaysia

The MotoGP riders kicked off their first practice session at the scorching Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, where a dry track welcomed teams despite some lingering damp patches from early morning rain. With more rain expected later in the day, some riders took a proactive approach, testing their preferred slick setups during FP1.

Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia made a bold early statement. He fitted a new soft front tyre and medium rear to go over one second quicker than his rivals, securing the first sub-2-minute lap of the weekend. Bagnaia, usually known to save his tyres for later sessions, appeared to be adjusting to the looming threat of rain, setting a blistering pace that established him at the top of the timesheets. Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta climbed to second place, while Fabio Quartararo had a promising start, leading the timesheets briefly before a suspected technical issue left him needing a push back to the pits.

Maverick Vinales of Aprilia also showed promise, rocketing up the ranks from 19th to 3rd after switching to soft tyres late in the session. New Aprilia technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini observed from the pits as Vinales and his Aprilia teammate adapted to Sepang’s challenging track conditions, though current director Romano Albesiano remains in charge for the rest of the season.

Andrea Iannone’s Impressive Return to MotoGP

One of the most exciting storylines from FP1 was Andrea Iannone’s remarkable return to the MotoGP paddock. The Italian rider, known as “The Maniac,” returned to the track for the first time since 2019 after serving a four-year anti-doping ban. Replacing the injured Fabio di Giannantonio for VR46 Ducati, Iannone defied expectations by finishing within the top nine – a stunning result given his lengthy absence. The 34-year-old’s adaptability was on full display as he tackled the challenges of modern MotoGP machinery, including carbon brakes, Michelin tyres, advanced aerodynamics, and ride-height devices. His performance underlined his tenacity and skill, sparking excitement among fans and fellow riders alike.

As the session closed, the top order featured Bagnaia comfortably ahead of the field, followed by Acosta, Quartararo, Marc Marquez, and Enea Bastianini. Brad Binder, Jorge Martin, and Iannone rounded out the top 10, with Iannone’s performance adding an extra layer of drama to an already intense practice session.

Sepang’s Opening Insights

With riders testing different tyre compounds and setups in anticipation of afternoon rain, the FP1 session provided valuable insights into how teams might approach the Malaysian GP weekend. Bagnaia’s early form, Iannone’s impressive return, and promising signs from rookies and veterans alike have set the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling race weekend at Sepang.

Andrea Iannone is set to make his MotoGP return this weekend at the Malaysian Grand Prix, stepping in for Fabio di Giannantonio, who is undergoing shoulder surgery. This marks Iannone’s first appearance in the series since 2019, when he tested positive for an anabolic steroid, resulting in a four-year ban.

Having previously spent seven seasons in MotoGP, including a notable victory for Ducati in 2016, Iannone has spent the last year competing in the World Superbike Championship with the Go Eleven Ducati team, where he secured a win in Aragon and finished eighth in the standings.

“Riding the world champion bike is thrilling. MotoGP is the most technological and high-performing motorcycle; I am honoured that they thought of me, and I felt compelled to seize this opportunity as soon as it was offered to me.” said Iannone.

The challenge is definitely crazy, complex, and important, as I haven’t ridden a bike of this category for years and haven’t done any testing. I am excited to work with Ducati and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, both for the very high level and for the friendship that has linked us for years.”

“I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto, Gigi Dall’Igna, Claudio Domenicali, and Mauro Grassilli.”

Ducati considered several options to replace di Giannantonio, but ultimately, team owner Valentino Rossi influenced the decision to bring Iannone back. Di Giannantonio, who recently finished fourth in a challenging wet-weather race in Thailand, expressed disappointment about the timing of his injury but is focused on making a full recovery ahead of pre-season testing in February 2025.

“I am very happy to confirm that Andrea will race with our colours on the Ducati Desmosedici GP. First of all, Andrea has proven to be in excellent shape; he finished the WorldSBK season on a high note and has always remained close to Ducati.” explained Team Director, Alessio Salucci.

“We are very pleased to welcome him to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and to see him back on a MotoGP bike. It’s truly a great story! At the same time, we all wish Fabio the best of luck as he undergoes shoulder surgery this week, and we can’t wait to see him back on track in 2025.”

Iannone’s comeback comes after 1,814 days away from the premier class, with speculation about his future also hinting at a potential ride in the Valencia finale next month.

Marc Marquez overcame a shaky start to secure a thrilling victory at the Australian Grand Prix, edging out Jorge Martin in a dramatic final four laps at Phillip Island. Francesco Bagnaia completed the podium for Ducati but struggled to keep pace with the leading duo.

Marquez, who lost ground at the start due to wheelspin caused by a tear-off stuck under his rear wheel, quickly set about recovering positions. By lap six, he had passed Bagnaia and was ready to challenge Martin. Despite a brief lead from Bagnaia on lap 12, he couldn’t hold it, allowing Marquez to move into second.

As the race progressed, Marquez and Martin engaged in a gripping battle, with Marquez making his decisive move on lap 24. After briefly losing the lead, he reclaimed it at Miller, maintaining his advantage through the final laps to win by nearly a second.

Bagnaia, meanwhile, settled into third, unable to keep pace with the Spanish riders. Fabio di Giannantonio took fourth after a fierce battle with Enea Bastianini, Franco Morbidelli, Brad Binder, and Maverick Vinales, while Fabio Quartararo finished a few seconds behind, winning a separate battle for positions.

Notably, rookie Pedro Acosta missed the race due to an injury sustained in the sprint, impacting his participation in the championship chase. Martin’s second-place finish extended his championship lead over Bagnaia to 20 points, while Marquez moved into third overall.