Moto2: Morbidelli draws first blood in the Netherlands

Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli struck first at the TT Circuit Assen, in the top five in free practice one before moving up the timesheets in the afternoon to end the day as Friday’s fastest. 2016 Assen winner Takaaki Nakagami had an impressive opening day in second, with fellow title hopeful Tom Lüthi fastest in first practice and completing the top three overall.

Alex Marquez was a high profile crasher on day one but was unhurt, going down at the final chicane during a hot lap in FP1. The rider from Cervera and winner last time out nevertheless completed the top four on day one, edging out compatriot Axel Pons.

Miguel Oliveira had another good day on track in sixth for the new KTM chassis, ahead of fastest Suter Dominique Aegerter in seventh. Xavi Vierge got his form back after recent injury in eighth, only 0.010 off the GP winner ahead of him.

Lorenzo Baldassarri was ninth quickest, with Hafizh putting in a solid day’s pace to end Friday in tenth.