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For the first time since the 2006 season, a new grand prix motorcycle campaign begins in Europe, with Portugal marking the first of 21 rounds in 2023 – all of which featuring sprint races on Saturdays.
Following a test at the Algarve International Circuit two weeks ago, the season began under damp conditions as light rainfall prior to the first 45-minute session of the year left the track greasy.
The weather would clear and Alex Marquez found himself top of the pile with a 1m38.782s after a late time attack surge on fresh soft rubber.
He headed new factory Honda signing Joan Mir and the VR46 Ducati of Luca Marini, while reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia was a steady ninth on his factory team Ducati.
A handful of riders took to the track on slick rubber to test conditions at th …