Dovizioso shades Argentina GP practice

TERMAS DE RIO HONDO: Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso topped the times after Friday’s hotly contested two practice sessions for the Argentina MotoGP with just two tenths of a second covering the five fastest riders.

Dovizioso, who has struggled in Argentina, turned up at the circuit in Termas de Rio Hondo as the winner of the season-opening race in Qatar.

The 33-year-old Ducati rider, who has only finished inside the top five once in his five visits to the circuit, posted a quickest time of 1min 39.181.

“The gaps are tight, the time wasn’t as important as starting off confidently,” said Dovizioso.

“The bike’s better (than last year in Argentina). That’s not to say it’ll be enough to fight for a top three finish.”

Australian Jack Miller was next best with Maverick Vinales third as Valentino Rossi took sixth on his Yamaha.

Last year Rossi accused Marc Marquez of “destroying the sport” after the champion shoved him off the track.

Marquez placed eighth on the time sheets despite the Honda rider emerging the quickest after the opening session.

“It’s only Friday, the main thing is to be consistent during the race on Sunday,” said the Spaniard. “It’s a demanding track on tyres, we’ll have better grip and will go faster.”

MotoGP rookie Fabio Quartararo built on the good impression he left with fifth in Qatar when he had Rossi and Marquez behind in fifth.

There were two further practice sessions late yesterday ahead of qualifying for today’s race which could be hit by rain.