Disappointing start for home hero Ogura in Motegi as Alex Marquez tops session.
Its been a long time since the incredibly enthusiastic Japanese fans have turned up to their home race with a genuine hope that they will see a home winner in Ai Ogura.
Its been 22 years since Makoto Tamada stood on the top step in Japan and, since then, even though there have been local riders to cheer on, none have realistically looked capable of taking the honours.
Until now.
Ai Ogura is a race winner and, prior to his training accident which put him out for two races, was a championship contender.
But things didn't start well for the Trackhouse Aprilia rider. In FP1 he showed he had the pace, along with the other Aprilias, but the track was damp throughout so it was difficult to judge everyones real pace.
The sun appeared for the late afternoon qualifying practice but early in the session, Ogura's engine expired crossing the line, which brought out a red flag as he deposited oil on the track.
This seemed to disrupt the young Japanese rider and, in a very competitive session, he failed to put his Aprilia into the top ten.
He will, however be favourite to qualify on the top two in tomorrows first qualifying session.
As the soft tyres went in, the top three changed order rapidly.
It looked like it was going to be a battle between the two factory Aprilias of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzechi, with the constant threat of a Marc Marquez 'Banzai' lap, for top spot.
However, with minutes to go, Johann Zarco crashed and the yellow flag ruined several fast laps.
Surprisingly, neither factory Aprilia was in the top 3 as Alex Marquez surprised everybody by finishing top.
Brother Marc was 3rd behind the newest GP winner, Pedro Acosta. Now looking like a threat even more so than before.
Bastiannini was the biggest surprise, in 5th place, followed by Diggia. And then, in 7th place, Fabio Quartararo, once again doing remarkable things on his Yamaha. Perhaps the young Frenchman is buoyed by the rumours that his mount for 2027, new 850 Honda, topped the unofficial timesheets at the test in Austria.
Then Martin in 8th, followed by the two Hondas of Moriera and Zarco.
Other news. Maverik Vinales is back, though nobody quite knows why. Including Maverik.
Pecco Bagnaia, who dominated this event last year, turned up with renewed confidence, and a new helmet. Then finished the day in his customary 16th place.
Joan Mir is still poorly and is replaced by Somkiat Chantra.
And the unluckiest wild card ever, Taka Nakagami, crashed on his first out lap, broke his collarbone, and is out for the rest of the weekend.
Another 'night shift' for journalists tonight as we look forward to qualifying and the Sprint tomorrow.
