WATCH: Jorge Martin edges Marc Marquez in tight battle during practice session at 2024 San Marino MotoGP

The 2024 San Marino MotoGP kicked off spectacularly at Misano World Circuit on Friday, as Jorge Martin narrowly topped the timesheets in the opening practice session. The title leader edged out the recent Aragon GP winner, Marc Marquez, by a razor-thin margin of just 0.037 seconds.

Marc Marquez, who secured his final Honda victory at this very track in 2021, showed early promise by dominating the timesheets for much of the session. The eight-time world champion looked in fine form, perhaps buoyed by his recent success at Aragon. However, it was Martin who ultimately claimed the top spot, underscoring his intent to extend his championship lead as the season enters its final stretch.

Here is the video: 

Martinator mode: ON 🔨@88jorgemartin storms into the 1:31s 🚀#SanMarinoGP 🇸🇲 pic.twitter.com/GHeNXIdVfe

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) September 6, 2024

Martinator mode: ON 🔨@88jorgemartin storms into the 1:31s 🚀#SanMarinoGP 🇸🇲 pic.twitter.com/GHeNXIdVfe

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) September 6, 2024

KTM’s wildcard rider, Pol Espargaro, also impressed by securing third place in the session. Espargaro, known for his aggressive riding style, was a surprise addition to the top three, finishing just 0.097 seconds off the pace set by Martin. His performance serves as a reminder that the Misano circuit can sometimes throw up unexpected results.

Francesco Bagnaia continues to struggle

The fourth spot was claimed by Franco Morbidelli of the Pramac team, who continues to show his potential as he adapts to his new machinery. Meanwhile, Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo and Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro rounded out the top six, both of whom will be looking to build on this momentum heading into Saturday’s qualifying.

Defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia, still nursing injuries from last weekend’s collision with Alex Marquez finished the session in eighth place. While not the start Bagnaia would have hoped for at his home Grand Prix, he remains a strong contender as the weekend progresses.

Notably absent from the day’s action was Repsol Honda’s Joan Mir, who is sidelined due to severe gastroenteritis. His absence leaves a gap in the grid, and it remains to be seen if he will recover in time for Saturday’s qualifying session.

Here are the final results:

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