MotoGP | Barcelona GP FP3: Aprilia sets a record with Espargarò, Bagnaia is fourth

MotoGP Catalan GP Free Practice 3 – The magical moment continues for Aprilia and Aleix Espargarò, who set a new record on the Catalan track in the third free practice session of the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona.

The #41 from the Noale manufacturer set the best-lap-record of 1:38.771, a time that allowed him to beat the Ducati Pramacs of Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin, 0.131s and 0.234s behind respectively.

Fourth and fifth times for the official Ducatis of Pecco Bagnaia and Jack Miller, with the Australian getting ever closer to the KTM with a view to 2023.

The reigning champion Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) is sixth (first non-Italian bike on the track), ahead of the Ducati Mooney VR46 Racing Team of Luca Marini, the Suzuki of Alex Rins and the rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing), who after the pole-position at Mugello continues to amaze.

They will have to pass through Q1 among others: Maverick Vinales (Aprilia), Enea Bastianini (Ducati Gresini), Joan Mir (Suzuki), Marco Bezzecchi (Ducati Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Franco Morbidelli (Yamaha), Andrea Dovizioso (Yamaha WithU) and Michele Pirro (Ducati Aruba).

Rookie FP3 MotoGP GP Catalunya

The best rookie was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati Gresini) 10th, followed by Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) 14th, Darryn Binder (Yamaha WithU RNF) 22nd, Remy Gardner (Team Tech 3) 23rd and Raul Fernandez (Team Tech 3) 24th.

Fourth successful Marc Marquez arm operation

Absent was Marc Marquez who, we remember, underwent surgery for the fourth time on the humerus of his right arm. A long rehabilitation awaits him. Click here to find out more about Marc Marquez's operation.