Summary Andrea Iannone posted the fastest time in practice for Sunday's MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas.
AUSTIN (AFP) - Italy s Andrea Iannone posted the fastest time Friday on his final lap to edge world champion Marc Marquez in practice for Sunday s MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas.
Iannone rode his Suzuki around the course in 2mins 4.599secs, knocking Spanish Honda-rider Marquez off the top spot by .056 of a second.
Spanish Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales was third, .264 of a second adrift, with Italian teammate Valentino Rossi fourth, .359 of a second off the pace.
Britain s Cal Crutchlow, a winner earlier this month in Argentina to seize the season drivers points lead entering the season s third race, was fifth on his Honda in 2:05.088.
Marquez has dominated at the Texas track since the event began in 2013, winning all five races from the pole. Only Iannone in 2015 had deprived the Spaniard of a top practice time before repeating the feat Friday.
Even after a minor crash that left him unharmed in the afternoon, Marquez was confident about his chances on the weekend.
"I m quite happy with how things are going because I felt strong from the beginning, and we worked for the race," Marquez said. "Most importantly, I did my lap time with a hard rear tire.
"Our pace is already good, but there are a few things we want to improve because I don t yet feel 100 percent. I had a small crash when I tried another setup, so we need to keep working."
The top seven laps in Friday s second practice session were faster than Marquez s 2:05.530 that led the first session.
Attention will be upon Marquez and Rossi after the Spaniard knocked the Italian down in Argentina.
"I m afraid of going out on the track, I m afraid of running with him, I m afraid of what might happen to me," Rossi said in Argentina. "I think he believes he runs alone and, in addition, he treats me differently than the others."
Marquez answered: "I thought I made a mistake, I was penalized, I went to apologize and I do not have any problems or resentment in being able to talk with others."
