Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
Marc Marquez tops opening practice at Phillip Island
Marc Marquez topped Friday’s opening MotoGP practice at Phillip Island in Australia.
Raul Fernandez was 0.048 seconds behind in second, and home rider Jack Miller was third after crashing late in the session.
Fernandez also fell earlier but returned to the track and briefly led the timesheets.
Title leader Jorge Martin finished seventh, leaving him and Marquez separated by two points at the top of the standings.
This is set to be the final Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, which has hosted the race for many years; the event is due to move to an Adelaide street circuit in 2027.
Miller is also set to make his final Australian Grand Prix appearance before moving to WorldSBK next season.
The title fight continues this weekend, with rain and cooler temperatures forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
Marc Marquez set the fastest time in opening practice for the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
He recorded a session-best lap of 1:27.985, finishing 0.048 seconds ahead of Raul Fernandez.
Home rider Jack Miller was third, 0.135 seconds off the pace, after crashing shortly after taking the lead.
Fernandez and replacement rider Iker Lecuona also crashed, while Brad Binder’s KTM suffered an engine failure.
- Who
- Marc Marquez was fastest, ahead of Raul Fernandez and Jack Miller.
- What
- Marquez topped opening MotoGP practice at Phillip Island.
- When
- Friday, October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Phillip Island, Australia.
- Why
- The riders were taking part in opening practice for the Australian Grand Prix.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jack Miller took the lead on fresh tyres, then crashed at Doohan Corner.
Raul Fernandez crashed, returned on his second bike and later briefly led the timesheets.
Marc Marquez set the fastest time with a 1:27.985 lap.
- Fastest rider
- Marc Marquez
- Fastest lap
- 1:27.985 seconds
- Second place
- Raul Fernandez, 0.048 seconds behind
- Third place
- Jack Miller, 0.135 seconds behind
- Venue
- Phillip Island, Australia
- Session
- Free Practice 1
5 sources
Marc Marquez tops opening Phillip Island MotoGP practice, Jack Miller crashes after P1
Jack Miller crashes in opening Phillip Island practice
Phillip Island MotoGP practice: Big crashes and Marquez fastest
Marc Marquez strikes first in Australian GP as Jack Miller shines in FP1
What people are saying
Well, my condition compared with last year is a little bit worse, but compared with Mandalika is much better
I think it can be a good weekend.
Posts on X
NO WAY 🤯 @jackmilleraus incredibly goes to P1 but then crashes at Doohan corner 😱 #AustralianGP 🇦🇺
🫢 @25RaulFernandez has gone down too at Siberia And all eyes are on his already injured fingers 👀 #AustralianGP 🇦🇺