Acosta top in Valencia MotoGP practice as Martin returns / Photo: © AFP
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Acosta top in Valencia MotoGP practice as Martin returns
Pedro Acosta was fastest in practice for the Valencia Grand Prix on Friday, as Aprilia's Jorge Martin enjoyed a full day back on the bike after injury.
Cleared to return this week after a collarbone fracture at the Japanese Grand Prix in September, 2024 world champion Martin came in 22nd, 1.164 seconds behind Acosta, in the second practice session.
The Spaniard has endured an injury-hit season, preventing him from defending his title, which was claimed by Marc Marquez.
Alex Marquez wrapped up second in October and Marco Bezzecchi is poised to seal third place in Valencia, leading Francesco Bagnaia, fourth, by 35 points going into the final race of the season.
Bezzecchi crashed early on but recovered to finish second, only 0.053s behind Acosta, while Franco Morbidelli was third quickest.
Bagnaia was down in 14th and must take part in the first qualifying session on Saturday.
KTM rider Acosta is looking for his first MotoGP triumph and his team have not won a Grand Prix since 2022, with Valencia their last chance of the season.
Pramac Yamaha's Jack Miller was fastest in the morning session but had to settle for sixth, behind Trackhouse Aprilia rookie Ai Ogura in fifth and Alex Marquez in fourth.
Last year the Valencia race was cancelled because of the deadly flooding which hit the region.
K.Thomson--BTB