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MotoGP, FP2: Dovizioso and Marquez in the garage, Pedrosa 1st

In mixed conditions, the two big names chose not to head out on track, in the afternoon rider #26 precedes Redding on the Aprilia and Petrucci and Miller on the Ducatis 

MotoGP: FP2: Dovizioso and Marquez in the garage, Pedrosa 1st

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Those who expected a closely-fought FP2 were left disappointed. The mixed conditions of the track, neither fully wet nor fully dry, saw certain riders opting to remain in the garage, also because there is no risk of rain on Saturday and Sunday. Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez chose not to ride, watching the action on screens inside the garages instead.

Only in the final minutes, when the track conditions had slightly improved, did a few riders start to push. Dani Pedrosa set the bench mark, a 1’48”136 on slick tyres, closing half a second ahead of Scott Redding on the Aprilia, who was followed by the Pramac pairing of Danilo Petrucci (+0.803) and Jack Miller (+0.886).

Despite the adverse conditions, work continued in the Yamaha camp, with Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales heading out on rain tyres. The Spaniard used the session to make a change to his seat, while the Doctor focused on the intermediate solution. Their times, more than five seconds slower than Pedrosa, mean nothing. The same goes for Morbidelli, Bautista and wildcard Nakasuga.

Aside from Marquez and Dovizioso, the Italian having set Friday's best overall time, Pol Espargarò, brother Aleix, Andrea Iannone and Cal Crutchlow also chose not to ride. Let's not forget that this group, with the exception of the KTM rider, have guaranteed access to Q2 right now.   

Translated by Heather Watson
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