Quartararo sets new MotoGP track record at Silverstone

LONDON: Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) rider Fabio Quartararo outshone seven-time world champion Marc Marquez by breaking the track record in practice for the British MotoGP on Friday on a newly laid surface at Silverstone.

Quartararo was quickest in the first session of the day, but the fireworks came in the afternoon as he posted a new record time of 1min 59.225 secs.

The 20-year-old French rookie's joy seemed short-lived when that time was originally ruled out for exceeding track limits.

However, a photo review after the second session had finished, cleared Quartararo to edge him ahead of Marquez.

Former world champion Valentino Rossi, on another Yamaha, also fell foul of the same ruling before being similarly reprieved.

Marquez, who is well on course to add a sixth premier class world title to his list of honours this season, suffered a crash for the first time in seven races.

The Spaniard was quickly back up and on his Honda, though, to ensure he was second fastest with compatriot Maverick Vinales third quickest.

"The lap was really good and I'm pleased with the result. I gave it everything on the lap and I'm glad they gave both Valentino (Rossi) and I back our times," Quartararo said.

"You can always go faster and there was a rider in front of me on my fastest lap, so we can go even quicker in qualifying.

"I think it'll be possible to set the first 1'58 lap. The new asphalt is really flat and smooth and has a lot of grip. They've done a really good job with it."

The 2018 race was cancelled due to standing water on the track, 12 months after Andrea Dovizioso claimed victory in the 2017 event.

On Friday, Dovizioso, who won the last race in Austria to cut the gap to Marquez to 58 points in the title race, was sixth fastest on his Ducati while 2015 winner Rossi was an impressive fourth ahead of Honda's home hope Cal Crutchlow. - AFP