Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo has posted the fastest time at Friday’s free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Lorenzo clocked the Motegi circuit with the best time of one minute, 45.151 seconds to take top spot for Yahama.
Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso finished 0.053 seconds slower in second with Spain's Maverick Vinales back in third.
Honda rider Marc Marquez, who leads the overall championship standings, ended his day in 4th, some 0.152 seconds off the pace.
But, much of the focus was on his compatriot Dani Pedrosa, who flew back to Spain for surgery after a heavy fall in Friday's afternoon session.