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Spanish MotoGP stars Marc and Alex Marquez have emerged fastest in practice for <i>the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix after wild weather at Phillip Island.</i>

Spanish brothers Marc and Alex Marquez have set the early pace at Phillip Island by clocking the fastest times in practice for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Marc Marquez delivered a remarkable 1:27.770 lap in Friday's second practice session at the famous Victorian circuit, after a complete washout of the first.

The 31-year-old, a six-time MotoGP champion, finished a mere 0.102 seconds ahead of his brother and Gresini Racing teammate.

Marco Bezzecchi was third in an all-Ducati top five and was one of four riders who completed practice laps in the 1:27 bracket.

MotoGP championship leader Jorge Martin dusted off after an early crash and held onto fourth in practice, one spot ahead of title rival Francesco Bagnaia.

Spain's Martin (392 points) sits 10 points clear of Italy's reigning champion Bagnaia in the standings with four race weekends left.

Australian favourite Jack Miller and Pedro Acosta paid for late crashes in practice, slipping out of the top 10.

On Friday morning, wet weather at Phillip Island denied riders an important session on the newly-resurfaced circuit.

Teams had wanted dry weather to gather data on what tyres are best suited to the new asphalt.

Qualifying and the sprint race will take place on Saturday, ahead of the main race on Sunday.

Wild weather wreaked havoc on the Australian grand prix in 2023.

The main race was held one day early and the sprint race was pushed back to the Sunday before eventually being called off.

Little rain is forecast over this weekend, with none expected on Sunday.