Simpson off in Moto3 practice

Australian Moto3 wildcard Olly Simpson has emerged unhurt and unshaken by a practice crash in the Australian Grand Prix.

The 16-year-old South Australian found himself in the gravel on his ninth lap after low-siding around Lukey Heights.

While his first session on the biggest stage of his young career didn’t go as planned, Simpson was positive ahead of an afternoon practice.

“I’m all good, the bike was feeling really good and should be fine for the next session,” he said.

“The forks in the bike bottomed out… if I broke early it would have been fine, just pushing the limits of the bike,” he said.

Simpson said even completing eight laps was a real rush.

“It’s the best, with your home crowd and all that,” he said.

“(Crashes) are bound to happen, you always come off, it’s just part of racing.”

British Husqvarna rider Danny Kent was quickest with a 1:36.906 lap, just three tenths of a second behind the lap record.

Australian title challenger Jack Miller was sixth, less than half a second behind Kent in 1:37.370.

Championship leader Alex Marquez sits second after charting a 1:37.142 lap around the Phillip Island circuit.

Simpson’s fellow wildcard Remy Gardner steadily improved through the session to sit 25th of 34 riders with a 1:38.805 lap late in the session.

Only able to complete eight laps, Simpson was last with 1:40.804.

With the MotoGP title wrapped up by Marc Marquez at the Japanese grand prix last weekend, much interest on Phillip Island has centred on the the supporting Moto3 class.

Alex Marquez leads Miller by 25 points – the same amount as a race win – with three grands prix remaining.

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