MotoGP Friday practice: Bezzecchi smashes Silverstone lap record in stunning display

Marco Bezzecchi topped the session with an incredible time of 1:56.280, a new Silverstone lap record.

The time was almost a second quicker than Fabio Quartararo’s 1:57.233 last year, and the top eight all beat the previous record.

But Aprilia’s Bezzecchi doing it could well change the complexion of the title fight, with the Italian sinking in the standings to fourth after an early lead to start the season.

He also spent the summer break undergoing a double surgery and said he wouldn’t be at his best at Silverstone, with his staggering lap time clearly a warning to his rivals.

Fellow Aprilia powered rider, Raul Fernandez at Trackhouse, was second, with Fabio Di Giannantonio the fastest Ducati in third.

Two more Aprilias followed in championship leader Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura. In sixth was the new title favourite Marc Marquez.

There were plenty of shocks lower down too, with Jack Miller making it through to Q2 in ninth.

Meanwhile, Pecco Bagnaia's already very faint title hopes took another knock, finishing 13th, pushing him into Q1.

Heading into the weekend, Bezzecchi had suggested he wouldn't be competitive at Silverstone.

“It's true that it will not be easy, especially right now,” he said. "But, for sure, I will try my best to at least be able to fight until the end, and then we will see if, close to the final round of the championship, I will still be in the fight.