Italian MotoGP: Yamaha leads the way with Vinales fastest in FP1

Maverick Vinales finished FP1 at the top of the timesheets thanks to a fast final lap of Mugello as the paddock returned for the Italian Grand Prix for the first time since 2019.

The Monster Energy Yamaha rider tussled for the top spot all session, with his penultimate lap seeing him finish first - the Spaniard's best of 1m 46.593s already only just over a second off the lap record.

Becoming a father between rounds has certainly not dented Vinales speed, with his early performance in Mugello giving Yamaha hope of a return to form at the track -they last won the Italian Grand Prix back in 2016.

Johann Zarco moved into second in the final fifteen minutes and held the positon for Pramac at Ducati’s home circuit, just 0.209s slower.

The Suzuki bikes initially struggled, starting the session with early laps placing them 14th and 15th, but the duo worked hard to improve - Alex Rins finished third at the chequered flag, just ahead of his team-mate, current world champion Joan Mir, in fourth.

Franco Morbidelli also made late improvements to finish his first session at his home track in fifth for Petronas Yamaha, just ahead of fellow countryman Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) in sixth.

Ducati Test rider Michele Pirro has been drafted in to replace Jorge Martin who aims to be back for the next round in Barcelona. Pirro’s time around the track saw him lead much of the early part of the session thanks to his extensive track knowledge on his way to seventh.

Championship leader Fabio Quartararo set the eighth best lap, with all of the top eight within a second of VInales best run.

Le Mans race winner Jack Miller took a while to get to grips with the circuit but moved from 13th to ninth on his final attempt for Ducati. 

Miguel Oliveira completed the top ten as the top KTM rider for Red Bull with Taka Nakagami only just missing out in eleventh for LCR Honda.

Elsewhere, Pol Espargaro was the top Repsol Honda man in 12th. His brother Aleix Espargaro was again the best of the Aprilia riders for Gresini in 13th.

Marc Marquez continues his return from injury after making his comeback in Portugal. He placed his factory Honda 16th. Mugello fan favourite Valentino Rossi was just behind in 17th for Petronas Yamaha.

Winner of the last Italian Grand Prix, Danilo Petrucci, was down in 18th place on the second KTM.