Jaume Masia hammered home his renewed vigour in the 2023 Moto3 World Championship title hunt by taking the fastest time in Friday Practice for the Japanese Moto3 at Motegi.

The Spaniard’s win last weekend in India has seen the Leopard Racing rider pull level with long-time championship leader Daniel Holgado in the overall standings.

With the threat of rain looming tomorrow to scupper any improvements in the Q2-determining P3 session, all title rivals were safely inside the top fourteen should the heavens open on Saturday.

Masia was followed up by Ivan Ortola - whose title aspirations were dealt a blow prior to action getting underway following the news he has been excluded from his Catalunya Moto3 tenth place finish due to fuel irregularities - while home hope Ayumu Sasaki completed the top three.

In fourth, the embattled Holgado - whose points’ advantage has been whittled dramatically by a run of indifferent form having held the advantage out front since Round 1 - was fourth quickest, ahead of Deniz Oncu in fifth.

With just one point separating the current top three of Holgado, Masia and Sasaki, of the remaining title contenders, David Alonso - who is 23 points behind - was 13th.

Of the riders expected towards the front but struggling on the Friday, Indian Moto3 standout Collin Veijer has work to do after only managing 18th on his first visit to the Motegi circuit.