German MotoGP, Sachsenring – Free Practice (1) Results

Marc Marquez is straight back on top during MotoGP’s return to the Sachsenring for the 2021 German MotoGP.

Sachsenring, the shortest and slowest circuit for top speed in the world championship, was not part of last year’s Covid calendar, which also meant Marquez’s record of winning every race at the circuit since he joined the MotoGP class in 2013 remained intact. Add in three victories in the 125cc/Moto2 classes and the Spaniard is unbeaten at the track since 2009!

Marquez faces a big challenge to continue that run this weekend, with a best of seventh place since his return from injury and Honda without a podium this season. But while still struggling for strength in his right arm and corresponding shoulder area, Marquez has far less trouble with left-hand corners, which dominate the anti-clockwise German track.

The #93 – finally using his 2021 Honda fairing upgrade this weekend, a Yamaha style ‘loop’ – was fastest for most of the opening practice session, at one stage leading a Honda 1-2-3 with Nakagami and Espargaro.

Title leader Quartararo, seen carefully zipping up his leathers before FP1, following the Catalunya wardrobe malfunction, tested his safety equipment soon after when he suffered a heavy accident at Turn 12. The French was initially reached for his right shoulder, but later gave a thumbs up to trackside marshals and was back on track by the midway stage, those rose up the order to split the Hondas.

Martin and Pol Espargaro also fell early in the session.

Rins is returning to action for Suzuki after missing Barcelona due to a fractured wrist in a bicycle accident and was soon up to speed.

The top 19 riders were covered by less than one-second, with 1.309s seperating Marquez to Binder in last place…

* Rookie
Official Sachsenring MotoGP records:
Best lap:
Marc Marquez SPA Honda 1m 20.115s (2019)
Fastest race lap:
Marc Marquez SPA Honda 1m 21.228s (2019)

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