Dovi consolidates pace to lead FP2

Andrea Dovizioso consolidated his place at the top of the times in FP2 with the Italian leading the way from Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo. Dovizioso was able to consistently lap in the 1m48’s and with Ducati searching for their first win since 2010 this looks set to be their best opportunity to end their drought.

Andrea Iannone wasn’t as fast as his teammate but the Italian, fighting through the pain barrier, was a fast and consistent fourth ahead of Bradley Smith with the Tech3 rider taking top satellite honours on the opening day. Cal Crutchlow was sixth and Scott Redding was a much improved eighth ahead of Valentino Rossi.

Eugene Laverty was 23rd fastest, just ahead of his teammate Nicky Hayden, but the Irishman had a fall in the closing moments of the session.