Ai Ogura Fastest on Opening Practice Day as Home Rider Filip Salač Finishes Second in Moto2

The opening day of the Monster Energy Grand Prix of Czechia at the Creditas Autodrom Brno was run at a blistering pace. Local rider Filip Salač finished second in both Moto2 practice sessions, while in the premier MotoGP class no fewer than seven riders lapped faster than last year’s all-time lap record.

Salač was pleased with his performance in both sessions. He posted the second-fastest time on each occasion, finishing 0.136 seconds off the top spot in the opening practice and just 0.018 seconds to first place in the second session. The only Czech rider competing in the World Championship therefore viewed his day positively, albeit with a few reservations.

“I’m happy, but second place is always a bit of a bittersweet result, whether it’s only Friday practice or not. My ideal lap time would have been enough for first place, so I’m slightly disappointed, but tomorrow is what decides the grid positions. Hopefully it will be enough for at least a front-row start. The fans are incredible and the bike is working well, so I’m looking forward to it,” said Filip Salač from the OnlyFans American Racing team after the opening day of practice at the Creditas Autodrom Brno.

In MotoGP, the fastest time in the first practice session was set by reigning world champion Marc Márquez from the factory Ducati team, despite crashing near the end of the session. Fortunately, he escaped injury and was able to take part in the second session without any issues. That second session was ultimately topped by Japanese rider Ai Ogura. The Trackhouse Racing rider pushed his Aprilia, clocking a 1:51.735 lap, which not only beat the official Creditas Autodrom Brno lap record of 1:53.691 but also surpassed last year’s best qualifying time of 1:52.303.

Saturday’s programme at the Creditas Autodrom Brno begins with further free practice sessions, followed by qualifying across all categories. The 10-lap MotoGP Sprint is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. local time.