Nakagami bounces back to top Misano MotoGP warm-up
Takaaki Nakagami set the quickest time in morning warm-up for the 2020 San Marino MotoGP at Misano as he looks to recover ground in this afternoon’s crucial race.
The LCR Honda man - riding solo this weekend after Cal Crutchlow’s withdrawal - is the only rider to have finished every race so far this season in the top ten so far this year, the Japanese topping warm-up with a 1m 32.781s.
However, he comes into the Misano race with work to do after qualifying down in 14th place - the lowest lead starting position for a Honda rider since the manufacturer returned to premier grand prix racing in 1982.
By contrast, Yamaha will start from positions 1-2-3-4 for the first time in its history after Maverick Vinales led Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Quartararo and Valentino Rossi in qualifying.
For warm-up though it was Morbidelli on the Petronas SRT entry leading the firm’s charge in second place, ahead of the ever closely matched Suzuki pair of Joan Mir and Alex Rins.
Pramac Racing's Pecco Bagnaia was fifth fastest as the quickest Ducati rider, from championship leader Fabio Quartararo, who was sixth best despite an off-track moment at Turn 6.
Johann Zarco, who starts tenth on the Avintia Ducati today, confirmed his pace in seventh position, ahead of factory rider and title contender Andrea Dovizioso, while Alex Marquez made a rare top ten appearance on the timesheets in ninth on the Repsol Honda.
Miguel Oliveira completed the top ten, ahead of pole sitter Maverick Vinales and KTM Pair Pol Espargaro and Iker Lecuona.
