MotoGP is officially back for the Japanese Grand Prix, and it kicked off in style with Francesco Bagnaia setting the pace. Rain was in the air during FP1, and once it started, no one could top Bagnaia's time. He wrapped up the session ahead of his rival Jorge Martin, who looked sharp at the stop-and-go circuit. Martin now leads the championship heading into the weekend. Fabio Di Giannantonio rounded out the top three, despite only managing eight laps.

Marc Marquez claimed fourth, debuting a special helmet for the Japanese Grand Prix. Jack Miller had a strong FP1, as the KTM rider finished fifth. He has enjoyed plenty of success on this track in the past. Marco Bezzecchi took sixth, and Joan Mir secured seventh.

Johann Zarco showed solid form, taking eighth, while Maverick Viñales was the top Aprilia rider in ninth. Enea Bastianini grabbed the final spot in the top ten, receiving strong fan support from the Japanese crowd. Franco Morbidelli had a tough session, ending up in 18th. Lorenzo Savadori, who stepped in for Miguel Oliveira, finished 22nd, while Yamaha's wildcard Remy Gardner ended FP1 in 23rd.