A wandering wallaby nearly caused a scary crash in a dramatic opening practice session for the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Spain’s Aleix Espargaró was traveling at over 200km/h when a wallaby bounced across the track, missing the bike by just a fraction of a second.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Wallaby causes chaos at MotoGP
Watch the latest sport on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>
In MotoGP’s return to Australia for the first time since 2019, Frenchman Johann Zarco dominated the opening two practice sessions.
The 32-year-old handled the Victorian circuit with ease, claiming both of the opening two sessions to set himself up for qualifying on Saturday.
Zarco finished ahead of fellow Ducati rider Marco Bezzechi, Honda’s Pol Espargaro and reigning champion Fabio Quartararo in Friday’s second practice.
An accomplished Moto2 rider, Zarco is still searching for a breakthrough MotoGP victory after making the switch in 2017.
A wallaby races across the track at the MotoGP. Credit: MotoGP/Twitter
But things did not go to plan for Australian Jack Miller in P2 after he set a hot pace in the morning session.
Miller slumped to 13th as he seeks to become the fourth Australian MotoGP rider after legends Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner to win a home grand prix.
Miller sat atop the times in P1 until the dying stages when Zarco, who sang at the 27-year-old’s wedding last weekend, rode a blistering final lap to pinch top spot.
The Townsville export has headed to the Victorian circuit following a win in Japan last month and a last-start podium finish in Thailand two weeks ago.
Jack Miller in action at the Australian MotoGP. Credit: Robert Cianflon/Getty Images
MotoGP legend Marc Marquez was third-fastest, coming in behind Zarco and Miller.
The six-time champion, who sits 13th in this year’s standings, looked at ease out on track as he deals with ongoing injury issues relating to a horrific crash in 2020.
Remy Gardner, the son of Wayne, was 20th out of the 24 riders in P1 and was 22nd-fastest in the second session.
Gardner, who is in his rookie MotoGP season, was left without a ride for next year and is switching to the World Superbike championship.
Despite heavy rain falling at Phillip Island in recent days, with the corner named after Stoner being waterlogged on Thursday, the circuit had dried out by the time riders started practice.
Qualifying starts on Saturday, with the race to start at 2pm (AEDT) on Sunday.
– with AAP
video
Michael Schumacher’s nephew injured in fiery crash.
Michael Schumacher’s nephew injured in fiery crash.
No comments:
Post a Comment