Source: Supplied.

Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) stole the headlines again on day one of the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina, taking to the top to take over from reigning champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).

Marquez had a lowside crash in FP1, but escaped unscathed to duel it out at the top of an unexpected first day at Termas de Rio Hondo.

The biggest news behind the two men at the front saw some big names outside the top 10 after FP2, with rain a possibility on Saturday and combined practice times crucial in deciding entry to Q2 qualifying.

Third on a shuffled pack of a day one was an incredible performance from Pull&Bear Aspar Team’s Karel Abraham, as the Czech rider just pipped his teammate Alvaro Bautista in an impressive third and fourth for the Independent Team.

Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Racing) was fifth, with Reale Avintia Racing’s Loris Baz another impressive performance in P6. Seventh was Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda), ahead of German Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rookie Jonas Folger, who was top rookie.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) was ninth, with Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Andrea Iannone completing the top 10 in what could be some critical combined time-sheets if weather changes overnight.

Outside the top 10 saw Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Racing) and Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) in P11 and P12, in front of Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa in 13th after a minor fall.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) was another big name in 14th, with Reale Avintia Racing’s Hector Barbera completing the top 15. Just behind Barbera saw Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) 16th, as Ducati Team rider Jorge Lorenzo ended day one in P18. Jack Miller (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was between them in 17th.

Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) kept his good form rolling on Friday in Argentina, topping the time-sheets once again, ahead of Dynavolt Intact GP rider Marcel Schrötter taking Suter into the top two. Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) completed the top three. Remy Gardner (Tech 3 Racing) was P17.

Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) continued his form, taking to the top of combined times late in FP2 ahead of Romano Fenati (Marinelli Rivacold Snipers) and Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46).

Source: Supplied.