Morbidelli lays down a marker

Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider fastest in Warm Up

Franco Morbidelli topped the first session on Sunday morning for the intermediate class, with the moisture left overnight in patches on the track improving as bikes got on track. Jonas Folger (Dynavolt Intact GP) was second, with Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) in third – despite lining up in P20 for the race.

Xavi Vierge (Tech 3 Racing) impressed once again in P4, with reigning Champion and points leader Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) starting off his first day with a shot at the title in fifth. Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) was P6, with front row starter Axel Pons (AGR Team), Championship challenger Tom Luthi (Garage Plus Interwetten), home hero Hafizh Syahrin (Petronas Raceline Malaysia) and Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes completing the top ten.

Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP40) was in P20, as he prepares for an almost must-win race from P23 on the grid.