MotoGP Japanese GP 2023 Results Thursday Practice Day: Winner, Losers, And More

The Motul Grand Prix of Japan kicked off with a thrilling Thursday practice day that left fans on the edge of their seats. The riders took to the iconic Motegi circuit, and what transpired was nothing short of spectacular. From record-breaking laps to unexpected challenges, the practice day set the stage for an action-packed weekend.

In this article, we delve into the winners, losers, and key highlights from the Thursday practice sessions. 

Winner: Brad Binder’s Record-Breaking Triumph Thursday’s practice day belonged to Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Binder’s remarkable performance sent shockwaves through the paddock as he shattered the Motegi lap record that had stood since 2015.

Riding the RC16 with a new chassis that provided superior rear grip, Binder clocked a jaw-dropping lap time of 1m43.489s. This not only secured him the top spot but also etched his name into the history books. Binder’s triumph on Thursday made him the standout winner of the day. 

Losers: Quartararo and Marquez Face Challenges Thursday was a day of challenges for two former champions: Fabio Quartararo and Marc Marquez. Quartararo, riding for Yamaha, endured a crash during practice that left him outside the top 10. The French rider, who has been a title contender this season, faces an uphill battle to regain his form and secure a competitive position in qualifying. On the other hand, Marc Marquez, the Honda maestro, also faced difficulties during practice.

Marquez suffered a crash at Turn 1 as he pushed for a place in the top 10. He ended up in 14th place, a position far from his usual dominance. The challenges faced by these two champions highlight the unforgiving nature of MotoGP and the importance of consistency.

Aleix Espargaro: The Dark Horse While Brad Binder’s record-breaking lap stole the spotlight, Aleix Espargaro quietly emerged as a dark horse on Thursday. Riding for Aprilia, Espargaro completed the top three in the practice session. His lap time of 1m44.387s showcased his impressive pace and hinted at a potential surprise in the upcoming races.

Espargaro’s consistent performance makes him a rider to watch as the weekend unfolds. 

Championship Implications: Martin vs. Bagnaia 

The practice day at Motegi had championship implications, particularly in the battle between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia. Jorge Martin’s recent form has made him a favorite for the title as he continues to close the gap on Bagnaia. At the start of the Catalan Grand Prix, Martin was 66 points behind Bagnaia, but now he’s just 13 points adrift.

Martin’s consistent pace and impressive laps indicate that the title race is far from over. Bagnaia, as the reigning world champion, faces immense pressure to secure victories and maintain his status as an official Ducati rider. 

Session Highlights: The practice day showcased thrilling moments and evolving dynamics. Maverick Vinales, riding for Aprilia, set the early pace with a lap time of 1m45.219s. However, it was Brad Binder who dominated the session with a stunning lap of 1m43.489s, breaking Jorge Lorenzo’s eight-year-old lap record. Jorge Martin, a consistent performer, secured the fourth-fastest time with a lap time of 1m43.843s.

His competitiveness at Motegi solidified his status as a title contender. Fabio Di Giannantonio, representing Gresini Racing, surprised with a strong performance. His lap time of 1m43.947s secured him a rare Q2 appearance, showcasing his potential in the highly competitive MotoGP field. 

Conclusion: The Thursday practice day at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan delivered an exhilarating preview of what’s to come. Brad Binder’s record-breaking triumph set the tone for a thrilling weekend of racing. As the championship battle intensifies between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, fans can expect nail-biting races and unexpected twists. Aleix Espargaro’s emergence as a dark horse adds an element of unpredictability to the mix. With each session, the MotoGP season becomes more captivating, and the Japanese GP promises to be a defining chapter in this year’s racing saga. Stay tuned for more action from the iconic Motegi circuit.