Quartararo fastest in FP3 at Portimao, Martin taken to medical centre

Monster Energy Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo finished FP3 fastest in Portimao, while Jorge Martin was taken to the medical centre following a fast crash at turn seven. 

A lap time of 1:39.044s saw the French rider clinch first place and automatic passage through to Q2. 

Quartararo was one of the last rider’s to improve his lap time from FP2, but took over top spot from Francesco Bagnaia on his penultimate time attack run. 

The lap came shortly before the first red flag of the weekend, as Qatar standout Jorge Martin suffered a huge crash at turn seven. 

The former Moto3 world champion was visibly in pain as he remained in the gravel until the ambulance arrived. 

It looked as if Martin was initially knocked out from the impact, but news was released of him being conscious, which was great to hear. 

In second place was Franco Morbidelli who made a return to form in Portugal. The Italian was quick throughout the session and looks to be a firm contender for a front row start heading into qualifying. 

In third was day-one pacesetter Bagnaia who continues to impress at the Algarve International Circuit. Bagnaia has consistently had the upper hand on the Yamahas through sectors two and three, but is losing a substantial amount of time in the final sector. 

Championship leader Johann Zarco was fourth fastest for Pramac Ducati with Alex Rins in fifth. 

Rins has looked good in every practice session so far, as he once again highlighted what seems to be improved performance over one lap. However, his team-mate Joan Mir continues to struggle in this area and finished 12th.

Jack Miller was six for the factory Lenovo Ducati team, ahead of top rookie Luca Marini in seventh. 

Of the three MotoGP rookies, Marini was the highest placed in last year’s Moto2 race, and following Enea Bastianini and Martin both finishing a Qatar round as the top rookie, Marini looks to be the favourite for that honour this weekend. 

Rounding out the top ten were Aleix Espargaro in eighth, Miguel Oliveira ninth, and Maverick Vinales in tenth position respectively. 

Marc Marquez will go through Q1 on his MotoGP return, as the eight-time world champion’s last flying lap was affected by his brother Alex Marquez having a huge highside right in front of him at turn three.