Markus Zoerweg
Head of Motorcycle Department
With the outstanding MSM motorcycle gang, Markus keeps things running at MotoGP, WSBK & Co. He likes to irritate people with his Austrian accent.MORE
Last year, Jorge Martin completed the MotoGP double pack at the Sachsenring with victories in the sprint and Grand Prix. The Pramac rider also got off to an ideal start in the German GP in 2024. He led the first free practice session ahead of Marc Marquez, who had to accept a crash in the final phase of the session.
The result: Martin won in 1:20.584 minutes by 0.150 seconds ahead of Marc Marquez. Unlike Martin, Marquez did not use new tires in the last minutes of training. Third place went to Maverick Vinales ahead of Miguel Oliveira and Pedro Acosta. Augusto Fernandez provided a sporting sign of life in a season that has been disappointing so far, with sixth place. Behind him followed a Ducati trio with Enea Bastianini, Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia. Raul Fernandez completed the top ten.
Fabio Quartararo finished 14th, Brad Binder 15th. Honda wildcard Stefan Bradl finished 20th. Aleix Espargaro took part in the first free practice session after breaking his metacarpal bone in Assen. However, he was only able to complete three laps, lost over twelve seconds and eventually gave up. Espargaro will miss the rest of the race weekend at the Sachsenring.
Falls, defects & incidents: Jorge Martin went off the track at turn eight and had to go through the gravel. On the following lap he made another mistake and ploughed through the gravel of turn one.
Johann Zarco also had to use the run-off area in Turn 8.
Marc Marquez was responsible for the first crash of the MotoGP weekend in the final phase of training. He slipped harmlessly in turn one and was able to return to the pits on his own with his Ducati.
In the final seconds of FP1, Pedro Acosta crashed in the final corner.
The weather: The MotoGP started its race weekend at the Sachsenring in a relatively grey and cloudy weather. The outside temperature was only 17 degrees and the asphalt only reached 23 degrees. After some heavy rain on Thursday, it was at least dry in the first free practice session.
© Motorsport Magazine