Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia MotoGP Catalunya 2023
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia MotoGP Catalunya 2023

LIVE UPDATES: Catalunya MotoGP qualifying and sprint race

Aleix Espargaro heads into qualifying and sprint raceday as the favourite after a dominant performance during Friday practice.

The Aprilia Racing rider topped both sessions ahead of teammate Maverick Vinales.

Crash.net will bring you all the latest news and updates throughout the Catalan MotoGP.

02 Sep 2023
14:25

Fourth was Brad Binder ahead of Martin and Oliveira. 

14:23
Home glory for Espargaro

Espargaro wins the Catalan sprint ahead of Bagnaia and Vinales. 

14:21
Last lap

Espargaro's lead is up to two seconds but Vinales is still pushing hard to try and pass Bagnaia.

14:17
4 laps to go

Espargaro now leads by nearly a second as Bagnaia is being caught by Vinales. 

14:14

Wow! Espargaro has just put five tenths into Bagnaia. 

14:13
Lap 7

Espargaro leads! It's a move at turn one for the Aprilia rider.

14:12
Lap 6

Vinales is now coming back at the two leaders, as Espargaro remains all over the world champion. 

14:10
Lap 5

Espargaro is all over the back of Bagnaia and looks keen to make a pass. 

14:09

Pol Espargaro has crashed at turn five.

14:08
Lap 3

Bagnaia is not getting away from Espargaro as Vinales remains in third spot. 

14:06

Mistake from Martin as he nearly runs into Vinales and has dropped back to P6. 

14:05
Lap 1

Bagnaia leads at the end of lap one as Aleix Espargaro comes through on Vinales at turn one.

14:03

Brilliant start for Vinales as he moves up from fourth to second. Bagnaia leads. 

14:03

It's lights out!

14:02

Every rider's second bike is being prepared in case pit stops are needed. 

14:01

Just in time for the race start, rain is falling.

14:00

The formation lap is underway in Catalunya. 

13:48

Francesco Bagnaia is on pole ahead of Aleix Espargaro and Miguel Oliveira.

13:42

Good afternoon and welcome back to sprint Saturday at the Catalan MotoGP. The Sprint race is coming up 14:00 UK time. 

10:35

Third is Oliveira ahead of Vinales Martin, Zarco, A. Marquez, Di Giannantonio, Binder, Bezzecchi, Bastianini and M. Marquez.

10:31
Bagnaia secures top spot

Espargaro goes second but Bagnaia has claimed pole position for the Catalan MotoGP.

10:28

Bagnaia sets a new lap record to go fastest. 

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