Zarco sets new lap record to top Austrian MotoGP FP1

Johann Zarco has topped FP1 for the Austrian MotoGP thanks to a stunning new lap record. 

The Pramac Ducati rider was inside the top five for much of the session, before fitting a soft rear tyre for his final run. 

Before Zarco went fastest, it was Joan Mir who had originally taken top spot away from Takaaki Nakagami. 

One of Nakagami’s biggest strengths in 2020 was significantly improving at the second of two races at the same circuit - looks to be heading in that direction once again based on FP1. 

The Japanese rider was immediately on the pace as he set a 1:23.810s lap and therefore led the way following the opening stint. 

In fact, Nakagami remained atop the standings until Mir went quickest with five minutes to go. 

Championship leader Fabio Quartararo put his factory Yamaha second for most of the session, however, the Frenchman suffered technical issues late on.

Quartararo pulled off track before getting his M1 Yamaha back up and running. 

Aleix Espargaro also had an issue with his Aprilia midway through the session as he was seen pushing his RS-GP machine down pit lane. 

Marc Marquez was seen shaking out his right shoulder with ten minutes to go. Not great signs for the eight-time world champion who did manage to get back out on track and finish ninth. 

Mir finished second quickest, while team-mate Alex Rins was third. Fourth was Nakagami, while Aleix Espargaro managed to claim fifth. 

Sixth was Quartararo, while Alex Marquez made it three Hondas inside the top ten with seventh. Rounding out the top ten was Francesco Bagnaia in eighth and race winner last weekend Jorge Martin in tenth place. 

There were surprising images that appeared during the session as Maverick Vinales was shown trackside. This comes after being suspended by the Monster Energy Yamaha team.