Dominant Dovi Tops Mugello FP2

Andrea Dovizioso continues his stranglehold of the Mugello circuit after topping the second free practice session of the weekend.

Desmo Dovi circulated the circuit 17 times, setting a consistently fast set of runs. His best effort was a 1:47.479 which is the fastest lap of the weekend so far, and you wouldn't bet against that time being beaten tomorrow. Andrea Iannone is riding without painkillers, so 4th on the time sheets is very respectable indeed.

Marc Marquez spent FP1 testing the old swingarm on his Honda RC213V, and after studying the data the team has decided to run the new once hence forth. Clearly, this decision was correct as the Spaniard was 2nd quickest in the afternoon session with a 1:47.643. Team-mate Dani Pedrosa was 13th.

Jorge Lorenzo looked rather ominous once again. The Movistar Yamaha rider led the way for some time and posted 19 laps in total. Though he was only 3rd quickest by session's end, I think Lorenzo is looking the strongest for Sunday. FP4 and warm up will be very telling. Team-mate Valentino Rossi's session ended earlier than he would have liked when he ran into the gravel at turn one on his final flying lap. The Doctor was unable to improve on the 8th quickest time he'd set prior to the incident.

Aleix Espargaro looked as if he was in doubt for the rest of the weekend after a troubled FP1. But the Spaniard grimaced his way to 7th on the FP2 time sheet, which is very impressive for two reasons: the first being the fact that he is recovering from surgery on his hand, and the second being that the GSX-RR is very slow in a straight line. Maverick Vinales rounded out the top 15.

Bradley Smith was top Satellite rider in 5th. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider was very quick in FP1, and will be looking to carry this momentum through Saturday and Sunday. Compatriot Cal Crutchlow will be on his heels the whole way though after he ended up 6th and just a few hundredths behind. Scott Redding was 8th.

Avintia Racing Ducati rider Hector Barbera made MotoGP history when he was clocked at doing 217.8mph in FP2, making him the fastest official rider in the sport's history. In fact, the top five through the speed traps were all Ducati riders.

The Italian fans will be absolutely loving their day.

FP2 Top 10:

1st Andrea Dovizioso, Ducati Team, 1:47.479

2nd Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team, 1:47.643

3rd Jorge Lorenzo, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, 1:47.852

4th Andrea Iannone, Ducati Team, 1:47.994

5th Bradley Smith, Monster Yamaha Tech 3, 1:48.038

6th Cal Crutchlow, CWM LCR Honda, 1:48.124

7th Aleix Espargaro, Team Suzuki Ecstar, 1:48.137

8th Scott Redding, Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Honda, 1:48.164

9th Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, 1:48.211

10th Pol Espargaro, Monster Yamaha Tech 3, 1:48.283

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