SPIELBERG (Austria): Australian Jack Miller set the fastest time in the first free practice session of the Styrian MotoGP on Friday, when Ducati continued their strong form after winning last weekend on the same track in Spielberg.
Ducati Pramac rider Miller was 0.004 seconds faster than the Italian Andrea Dovizioso, the winner of the Austrian Grand Prix for the Ducati factory team.
The Portuguese Miguel Oliveira from the KTM team satellite team KTM-Red Bull-Tech 3 finished third on the stable’s home track, while championship leader Fabio Quartararo only finished 10th.
Frenchman Johann Zarco, who was punished on Friday for his role in an accident with Franco Morbidelli last week, did not attend the meeting following an operation on his wrist that he injured in the collision.
Zarco has been sanctioned for “irresponsible driving” and will start his next race out of the pit lane as a penalty.
Injured defending champion Marc Marquez will miss his fourth race in a row after breaking his arm. Francesco Bagnaia is also still out.
Styrian MotoGP first free practice times:
1. Jack Miller (AUS / Ducati-Pramac) 1.23: 859, 2. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA / Ducati) at 0.004 seconds, 3. Miguel Oliveira (POR / KTM-Tech3) 0.039, 4. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN / Honda- LCR) 0.091, 5. Joan Mir (ESP / Suzuki) 0.102, 6. Franco Morbidelli (ITA / Yamaha-SRT) 0.339, 7. Brad Binder (RSA / KTM) 0.392, 8. Iker Lecuona (ESP / KTM -Tech3) 0.442, 9th Maverick Vinales (ESP / Yamaha) 0.465, 10th Fabio Quartararo (FRA / Yamaha-SRT) 0.522