Rossi sets the pace in Dutch dash

Valentino Rossi was fastest in FP1 at the Dutch TT with the Italain leading the way from Marc Marquez. The reigning world champion’s day didn’t start well after he crashed early in the session after running off track and having to drop the bike as he ran out of gravel trap. Rossi ended the session two tenths of a second faster than Marquez with Dani Pedrosa in close company.

Jorge Lorenzo was fourth fastest ahead of the Tech3 duo of Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith. Espargaro told MCN on Thursday that he was looking to “reset my season this weekend” and start his season afresh and focus on finding improvements for the summer. His opening session indicates that this may be the case having been one tenth faster than Smith.

Jack Miller was an impressive 11th with his LCR Honda teammate, Cal Crutchlow, 12th. Scott Redding was 17th fastest with Eugene Laverty 18th quickest having used an upgraded swingarm for the first time.