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Marquez Tops FP1 At Balaton Park Despite Shoulder Surgery Recovery

His fastest lap signals a quicker-than-expected return to speed that could change the weekend pecking order.

Overview

  • Marc Marquez set the fastest time in MotoGP FP1 at Balaton Park with a 1:38.626, followed by Raul Fernandez (+0.169s) and Pedro Acosta (+0.298s).
  • Marquez is still rebuilding strength after surgery to remove two screws and a bone fragment from his shoulder, yet he produced a leading lap on Friday that showed clear pace.
  • Teams are using stand-ins this weekend with Iker Lecuona debuting for Gresini and Cal Crutchlow again replacing Johann Zarco at LCR Honda, both finishing well off the top times.
  • Manuel Gonzalez topped Moto2 FP1 and the session was briefly red-flagged for a mechanical issue to Senna Agius, while David Almansa led Moto3 FP1 after recently suffering tonsillitis at Mugello.
  • FP1s are early indicators only and the coming qualifying sessions will show whether Marquez’s pace holds, how replacement riders affect team setups, and how technical or medical issues shape race-day chances.