Italian rider leads MotoGP practice ahead of Martin

In front: Italy’s Francesco Bagnaia (and below) from Ducati Lenovo Team taking a corner during free practice session at the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

SEPANG: Francesco Bagnaia drew first blood in the much anticipated fight for the MotoGP world title as the Italian narrowly led the afternoon practice for the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

Bagnaia, riding for Ducati Lenovo Team, looked out of sorts in the first part of the session but showed why he is the reigning world champion with a brilliant final lap.