With conditions almost perfect for the pedal to hit the metal, Moto3™ headed out to attack the Twin Ring Motegi first at the 2016 Motul Grand Prix of Japan – with the almost unimaginable headlining the session as freshly crowned Moto3™ World Champion Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took a tumble at Turn 3, rider ok and back to the garage. In good company, Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) and Jules Danilo (Ongetta-Rivacold) also went down at the same corner.
It was Sky Racing Team VR46’s Nicolo Bulega who kicked off the final part of his campaign to be crowned rookie of the year in style, going top from Binder with Aragon winner Jorge Navarro (Estrella Galicia 0,0) completing the top three.
Leopard Racing’s Fabio Quartararo was fourth, ahead of Livio Loi (RW Racing GP BV) and second Sky Racing Team VR46 rider Andrea Migno. Navarro’s closest rival for P2 in the standings, Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing Moto3), was P7 ahead of Gabriel Rodrigo for RBA Racing.
Rookie Bo Bendsneyder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went ninth quickest despite a crash at Turn 1 that saw the Dutchman unharmed, ahead of fellow rookie Joan Mir (Leopard Racing), who completed the top ten.
Jorge Martin (Pull&Bear Aspar Mahindra) suffered a crash during the session that saw the Spaniard receive some medical attention, right after returning to action following a foot injury.