Tag Archives: 2019 MotoGP

Riders and Team Managers reflect on #SepangTest

#SepangTest


Danilo PETRUCCI – P1

“Today we started off on the right foot: I was supposed to try two ‘time attacks’ but one attempt, done with a medium rear tyre, was enough. When I saw the lap time on the dashboard, I was really happy. After that, we resumed our work on some new items. Unfortunately, however, I crashed while I was trying a new fairing around midday. Given the fact that I was also experiencing some issues with blisters in my hands, we decided to stop a bit ahead of schedule to recover and make sure we’re at our best in the next tests in Qatar. Overall, it’s been a really positive test.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Danilo Petrucci
Danilo Petrucci

Francesco BAGNAIA – P2

“I’m very happy with the work we’ve done. We’ve created a good base of settings that will help us to have a good start in Qatar. We still have to work on some electronic details but I have to admit that I’m really happy. The time attack was very good and the pace is not bad either. We will do the race simulation in Qatar”.

MotoGP Sepang Test Bagnaia
Francesco Bagnaia

Jack MILLER – P3

“Our speed is really good. I’m very happy about that. I’m not very happy with the race simulation but the temperature was really high and I had little feeling with the tyres. It’s a shame about the crash. I am especially sorry for the guys of my team who have worked very well these days”

MotoGP Sepang Test Miller
Jack Miller

Andrea DOVIZIOSO – P4

“All in all, this test has been positive. It was important to push to the limit again today because we only have another test before the season starts, and we managed to post a competitive time even on a flying lap after being really consistent in yesterday’s race simulation. Also, to see so many Ducati bikes at the front confirms that we have a good base. We also tried a new fairing, with positive feedback. It’s still early to draw conclusions, but I’m happy with the work done here and now we’ll look for more ways to improve ahead of Qatar.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso

Maverick VIÑALES – P5

“The test was really good. I actually missed one time attack in the morning which I planned to make in the afternoon, but finally it was so hot that the tyre was sliding a lot, so I couldn‘t improve my lap time from the morning. Anyway, I‘m happy because on the race simulation I felt really good. I was really tired, but I felt good on the bike. Day by day the bike was working pretty similar, as in the last test. You always get positives and negatives testing new items. Now we have to come to a conclusion to see if we should bring the new fairing to Qatar. I also made some laps behind our rivals, so I could compare how our bike is working, and it‘s not bad. There are just some small details left and that‘s the most important. Last year they were some steps ahead, and now we are closer.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Maverick Vinales
Maverick Vinales

Cal CRUTCHLOW – P6

“I’m happy at the end of the third day, not only with how the test has gone, but to be finished with it too! My ankle by the end was getting sore, hot, and swollen. I feel in good shape however, and the ankle feels good on the bike. It doesn’t bother me on there, it bothers me when I stop. I kept the length of the runs quite minimal today, because we didn’t need to go long – we were testing items rather than testing for race pace. I was really pleased with my pace all day. On the used tyres we were consistent and fast which is good. It’s good going into Qatar and especially after a three-month lay-off – to ride again and to be competitive with it. I should have gone faster in terms of overall lap time, but I crashed. It was completely my own fault, I went into turn two over-excited! I lost three-tenths in the first sector on my fastest lap, compared to a normal good lap. So, the next lap I pushed like a madman thinking I needed to go half a second faster than I had the previous lap. I had some chatter, tried to save it, and crashed. That was with the really soft, test tyre. On average I think you could take at least six-tenths off with that, so I’m confident we could have gone a lot quicker, and then we didn’t use that tyre again all day. I think the 2019 bike is definitely better, but my feeling is I just need to adjust it a bit more. I ride quite a neutral bike, but I haven’t found the perfect setting with the front end just yet. Overall HRC has done a great job with the package. I think it can be competitive for the championship, and it’s one I’m looking forward to riding this year”.

MotoGP Sepang Test Crutchlow
Cal Crutchlow

Aleix ESPARGARO – P7

“On the first two days, our work focused on getting to know the new bike and lapping on used tyres with good results, as the pace in the race simulation yesterday confirms. This morning, we set the bike up to try a time attack and I am rather satisfied with our time. We improved over the three days and I must say that I found a good feeling with the new bike. I am able to be aggressive and I feel at ease in terms of ergonomics too. This was definitely a positive first test. We have margins for improvement, but I know that the guys at Aprilia will keep working hard.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Aleix Espargaro
Aleix Espargaro

Franco MORBIDELLI – P8

“The last day here at Sepang International Circuit has gone really well. We have managed to complete the programme we set out yesterday, which was to improve our pace and top speed. I wasn’t able to do a race simulation because we had a lot of things to get through but we will do that at the Qatar test. What I did manage to do for the first time was a good time attack. We also tried some different tyres, including the super soft, and gathered some useful data. We still have work to do because we want to be closer to the front but we are on the right lines and working hard to keep going in that way.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Morbidelli
Franco Morbidelli

Takaaki NAKAGAMI – P9

“It has been good, but a really hard three days because the hot conditions don’t make it easy to put in lots of laps. It’s been a very important test for us though, and we have made improvements every day. We finished in P9 overall, so I’m pleased to be inside the top ten again. The lap time is not so bad too, I’m really happy to be close to the 1’58 barrier, but I do feel I still can’t get the most out of one lap, whereas my race pace has improved significantly. The LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team have worked really hard this week to improve things for me all the time. We have good potential on the bike, I feel strong, so the aim is just to continue that at the Qatar Test and then see what we can do from there.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Nakagami
Takaaki Nakagami

Valentino ROSSI – P10

“I’m half happy because some things worked well and we improved our performance, other things from which we expected a lot unfortunately didn’t bring us what we need. So, for me, it’s good, because it’s the first test and we improved some things, but we have a lot of work to do. The gap is quite big, so we need time. I’m happy about the atmosphere and especially about the ideas inside the garage, it looks like Yamaha are very much concentrated on improving, so this is important.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi

Marc MARQUEZ – P11

“Day three was very positive, especially with my physical condition – I’m feeling much better. Yesterday I was a little worried about riding today, but I woke up and felt better. We were able to try many things for Honda today and I felt really good on the bike, comfortable and consistent. Everything we had planned to do this test, we have done. Of course I would have liked to ride more but we had to take it a bit easy. Even so, I’m happy because I was riding easy, not in my riding style but I was able to ride more. I didn’t crash and we tried the most important things for the Repsol Honda Team, I am happy because of this.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez

Alex RINS – P12

“Today was a very positive day, and so were the previous two days. We’ve tried a lot of things and we’ve developed the bike a bit more, so I feel our package is even better now. I was able to do a lot of laps in the 1:59 bracket. For sure we need to keep working and try a few other things in Qatar that we didn’t have a chance to check here, and the engineers will continue to work. I feel that the championship will be really interesting this year, there are a lot of riders close together, and a very high level.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Rins
Alex Rins

Joan MIR – P15

“Today’s been really good because during the first couple of days I was adjusting to the bike, trying to get better with it, and also trying a lot of new things and new parts. Today I made a good step and I had good pace, so that’s really nice. I feel I have improved every day so I’m really happy about how this test has gone. I’ve learned a lot, which I think is inevitable when you’re doing around 60 laps per day. I understand the bike better, as well as the tyres and various mechanical things too.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Mir
Joan Mir

Fabio QUARTARARO – P16

“Today was another positive day at the Sepang International Circuit. This morning we did a pretty good lap time, dipping inside 2’00, but our weak point remains that I am struggling to do a qualifying lap. Despite that I am very happy because on my first ever race simulation on a MotoGP bike I felt physically really good. To me that was another step forward – with the heat here and the track temperature at 60º it is very difficult – and we coped quite well. After the race simulation we went back over a couple of things and made a slight improvement at the end of the day. In Qatar we will have to work on braking and the first turn there will be a good place for that because it is really hard on the brakes. That will be our focus because in the fast corners we are in good shape.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Johann ZARCO – P17

“I tried this morning to improve further but I did not expect all the others to be going that fast! It was quite incredible. I’m pretty happy to be able to do many laps under two-minutes. We are happy with what we did, but we still have a lot of work. Overall I have improved my feeling and my control of the bike over five hard days. We will see what I can do in Losail. It will be interesting to see if we can adapt quicker in Qatar than we did here. The lap-time was better than I expected and we reached good points in our plan.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Johann Zarco
Johann Zarco

Pol ESPARGARO – P18

“We made an amazing rhythm today. On the first day we couldn’t, and then yesterday I was half a second slower than today. The pace was very, very nice and I was comfortable doing it. The fast lap was not what I expected – I found [Franco] Morbidelli in the way in the morning and could not improve – but this is a test and we go home with the knowledge we have done a good job. It is the first time we felt this big improvement from just one test. We have had five hot and hard days here but I think the whole team and factory did an amazing job: all the guys were super-focussed.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Pol Espargaro
Pol Espargaro

Miguel OLIVEIRA – P19

“The lap time was ok. It was not as fast as I expected because I couldn’t match the best configuration of the bike with the best tyres in the best moment, but in any case, I’m very close to the two KTM factory riders, closer than everybody expected. We have been really competitive with used tyres, which is good for the race. At the moment, I can see a clear step forward, so I think it’s about going to the Qatar test, taking the experiences from these three days and just trying to be another step better.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Oliveira
Miguel Oliveira

Andrea IANNONE – P21

“Even though it came after a course of antibiotics, we did two good days of work. Yesterday was especially important in terms of how many laps we turned and how we did them and because of how we began to make changes to the bike. This was my first test on this bike, and I can confirm that we have a lot of potential to explore. But the conditions here are hard even when you are at full fitness and, given the work we did and the fact that the test team was here, today we preferred to take a rest. We made the decision with the team, purely as a precaution. We’ll pick up where we left off in Qatar, hopefully at full fitness and certainly with much clearer ideas.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Andrea Iannone
Andrea Iannone

Hafizh SYAHRIN – P23

“We improved a lot compared to yesterday. The lap time is significantly faster than before, but still a bit far from the top. During this last day, I felt really good with the bike, but my physical condition was not ideal. After four full days of riding, the muscles in my arms were too hard and I was lacking some power. To be honest, I am a bit disappointed about myself for this, as the bike was truly great for this last day and I couldn’t fully use it. Anyway, I’ll try to do my best during the Qatar test before the start of the season, we are on a positive way and for sure we can be better.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Syahrin
Hafizh Syahrin

Sylvain GUINTOLI – P24

“We’ve done a lot of testing because we had a lot to do and the weather was good, without any rain, so we made the most of every moment. This meant we were able to complete our planned programme. I spent a lot of time on track and everything went well. This was a really important block of testing for the team, just before the season starts. I’m happy to have been able to give good feedback.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Guintoli
Sylvain Guintoli

Bradley SMITH – P25

“These were some very interesting tests. The guys at Aprilia improved the RS-GP and I think that at the end of this first outing, our level is decidedly encouraging. I’m pleased that what we did during the shakedown allowed Aleix to start from a good base. Seeing him lap at 1’59 brings great satisfaction for the entire team. I tried to give my best, conveying my sensations to the engineers, and I can’t wait to get back on the track in Qatar. First as a tester and then, on the race weekend, as a rider!”

MotoGP Sepang Test Smith
Bradley Smith

Massimo Meregalli – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Team Director

“It has been a very positive and productive test, under extremely hot conditions. We had three days without problems, during which we could evaluate all the items that were prepared over the winter. Most of them gave positive results, improving the smoothness of the acceleration, the stability on braking and accordingly the turning. Our speed, pace, and consistency has been there for both riders throughout the entire test and this is very significant for us. Maverick was able to do an impressive race simulation. An important aspect is that both he and Vale are improving and are working in the same direction. Another significant aspect is that we deliberated on the engine specification. It will be important to get the same response in Qatar in two weeks‘ time, where for sure, based on this test, we’ll have another update available to us.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Maverick Vinales
Maverick Viñales

Wilco Zeelenberg – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Team Manager

“We have had a very positive test here at a special circuit for us, even more positive than we expected in terms of the lap times and the number of laps we have been able to complete. We have learnt some good and interesting things about the 2019 bikes – like I said, more than we expected. As for the riders, we can be very happy with Fabio’s [Quartararo] progress and with Franco [Morbidelli] we would have liked to finish a little higher up but considering the odd setback we have had over the test, to set a 1’59.1 today was quite incredible. Lap time aside, the way he is riding and what we are learning about the new YZR-M1 thanks to his feedback is another big positive. The next objective for the Qatar test will be to build on what we have learnt here. Obviously, Yamaha needed to try some different options at Sepang to define certain configurations before the season starts for real, so now we will look to confirm that we are going the right way at a different circuit.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Mike Leitner – KTM Team Manager

“We have been testing so many things these days, from chassis to suspension to aerodynamics and we had three riders in the 1min 59s by the end. We could not really manage the super-fast single lap but on the longer runs people are quite happy and we are very consistent. We have a good feeling about the test. It was super-important. We worked many days and made steps that were very big. We took the time to make ‘basic’ work on our bikes where the focus is not always the lap-time. We will go to Doha now and hope to use this good information. A big thanks to all our five riders here in these demanding conditions: they worked through many ideas that came up in the factory during the winter and the guys in Austria have been pushing hard. We still need to fine-tune some things but we are going in the right direction.”


Sebastian Risse – KTM Technical Director

“All-in-all it was a long test for us and a lot of things have piled up in all areas of the bike over the winter. So it was an intense test, also with Tech3 structure here now also that allowed us to get even more information. I think we can be very happy with our progress and we made huge steps with our new riders in terms of getting confidence in the bike and setting and development. Looking at what we have done and the pace compared to previous years we are happy. The speed was quite incredible today and our positions are not quite what we were looking for. We know our competitors are strong and are developing their motorcycles quickly but we have to be even quicker! That was the challenge here. I think we did it…but we also have a long way to go. We will have to prepare our priorities well now for the last test and make sure we make another step forward in performance.”


Hervé Poncharal – Tech3 KTM Team Manager

“Overall this test in Sepang has been fantastic, a great feeling. We had the luck to be one of the concession teams. We did two days of shakedown test, two days rest and three days with the whole grid here. Clearly, I think it was important for us as a KTM team to go through a lot of laps because we’ve got so much to try. This is what we did. What I would like to point out is a big thank you to everybody inside the KTM factory for what they have done during the very short period we had since the last time we were on the bike end of November. The bike has changed really dramatically. Our riders feel so much more confidence, they can give a lot more accurate information. Clearly, I think both, Miguel and Hafizh have enjoyed and I assume, gave some really valuable comments and information to the KTM engineers. The fact we have five guys here, all of them pushing each other, all of them improving each single day, has been a very good sign. There is an incredible energy inside the whole orange group and we are proud to be part of that group. Just now, we can’t wait to be in Qatar, honestly, because if you look at Miguel for example; each single run, each single day has been better and better. Still there is a gap to the top guys, but I’m sure we can reduce that. We want to continue working, testing and improving. So, it was a great, great test. It was very tough for the organism of the riders, but also of every single team member. Anyway, we go home exhausted, but with a big smile on our face.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Hafizh Syahrin
Hafizh Syahrin

Davide Brivio – Suzuki Team Manager

“At the end of these three days we’re feeling happy about the work we’ve done. We tested a lot of things, and the riders have been busy working on the development of the bike. We’ve confirmed our 2019 package, and we compared several different items and components. Everything is a clearer now in terms of what works best. We’ll go to the Qatar test now, where we’ll put everything together with a sort of final package for the first race. Alex was very focused and fast, with a lot of good laps. And Joan was able to go for it on this final day, after putting everything together, and we feel good about his progression and work. Sylvain helped us a lot with selecting parts, so thank you to him and to all our staff for their hard work during the winter.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Joan Mir
Joan Mir

Ken Kawauchi – Suzuki Technical Manager

“It was a very positive test, our four riders (Rins, Mir, Guintoli and Tsuda) did a great job. It helped us that the weather was very good, and during our six days in total here we completed a lot of useful things. We brought many new items here, so the main thing was to choose which ones we would use for the race, and we were able to make some important selections. We’re all very tired from this hard work, but we feel it has been very productive.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

Combined Standings Days 1-2-3
Pos Rider Bike Time Diff Session
1 Danilo Petrucci Ducati 1:58.239 3
2 Francesco Bagnaia Ducati 1:58.302 0.063 3
3 Jack Miller Ducati 1:58.366 0.127 3
4 Andrea Dovizioso Ducati 1:58.538 0.299 3
5 Maverick Viñales Yamaha 1:58.644 0.405 3
6 Cal Crutchlow Honda 1:58.780 0.541 3
7 Aleix Espargaro Aprilia 1:59.022 0.783 3
8 Franco Morbidelli Yamaha 1:59.141 0.902 3
9 Takaaki Nakagami Honda 1:59.148 0.909 3
10 Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:59.155 0.916 3
11 Marc Marquez Honda 1:59.170 0.931 3
12 Alex Rins Suzuki 1:59.180 0.941 3
13 Stefan Bradl Honda 1:59.368 1.129 3
14 Tito Rabat Ducati 1:59.485 1.246 3
15 Joan Mir Suzuki 1:59.486 1.247 3
16 Fabio Quartararo Yamaha 1:59.497 1.258 3
17 Johann Zarco KTM 1:59.640 1.401 3
18 Pol Espargaro KTM 1:59.751 1.512 3
19 Miguel Oliveira KTM 1:59.949 1.710 3
20 Karel Abraham Ducati 2:00.378 2.139 3
21 Andrea Iannone Aprilia 2:00.510 2.271 2
22 Mika Kallio KTM 2:00.523 2.284 2
23 Hafizh Syahrin KTM 2:00.766 2.527 3
24 Yamaha Test 1 Yamaha 2:00.965 2.726 1
25 Sylvain Guintoli Suzuki 2:00.990 2.751 3
26 Bradley Smith Aprilia 2:00.995 2.756 3
27 Yamaha Test 2 Yamaha 2:01.243 3.004 3
28 Takuya Tsuda Suzuki 2:03.276 5.037 2

2019 MotoGP Sepang Test Day Three Times

Pos Rider Team Fastest Lap  Gap
1 Petrucci, Danilo Mission Winnow Ducati 1:58.239 ///
2 Bagnaia, Francesco Alma Pramac Racing 1:58.302 0.063
3 Miller, Jack Alma Pramac Racing 1:58.366 0.127
4 Dovizioso, Andrea Mission Winnow Ducati 1:58.538 0.299
5 Viñales, Maverick Monster Energy Yamaha 1:58.644 0.405
6 Crutchlow, Cal LCR Honda Castrol 1:58.780 0.541
7 Espargaro, Aleix Aprilia Racing Gresini 1:59.022 0.783
8 Morbidelli, Franco Petronas Yamaha SRT 1:59.141 0.902
9 Nakagami, Takaaki LCR Honda Idemitsu 1:59.148 0.909
10 Rossi, Valentino Monster Energy Yamaha 1:59.155 0.916
11 Marquez, Marc Repsol Honda Team 1:59.170 0.931
12 Rins, Alex Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:59.180 0.941
13 Bradl, Stefan Honda Test Team 1:59.368 1.129
14 Rabat, Tito Reale Avintia Racing 1:59.485 1.246
15 Mir, Joan Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:59.486 1.247
16 Quartararo, Fabio Petronas Yamaha SRT 1:59.497 1.258
17 Zarco, Johann Red Bull KTM Racing 1:59.640 1.401
18 Espargaro, Pol Red Bull KTM Racing 1:59.751 1.512
19 Oliveira, Miguel KTM Tech 3 Racing 1:59.949 1.710
20 Abraham, Karel Reale Avintia Racing 2:00.378 2.139
21 Syahrin, Hafizh KTM Tech 3 Racing 2:00.766 2.527
22 Guintoli, Sylvain Suzuki Test Team 2:00.990 2.751
23 Smith, Bradley Aprilia Racing Team 2:00.995 2.756
24 Kallio, Mika Red Bull KTM Test Team 2:01.020 2.781
25 Test 2, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:01.243 3.004
26 Test 1, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:01.719 3.480
NC Iannone, Andrea Aprilia Racing Gresini N/A  N/A
NC Tsuda, Takuya Suzuki Test Team N/A  N/A

2019 MotoGP Sepang Test Day Two Times

Pos Rider Team Fastest Lap  Gap
1 Viñales, Maverick Monster Energy Yamaha 1:58.897 ///
2 Rins, Alex Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:59.424 0.527
3 Miller, Jack Alma Pramac Racing 1:59.517 0.620
4 Dovizioso, Andrea Mission Winnow Ducati 1:59.562 0.665
5 Crutchlow, Cal LCR Honda Castrol 1:59.566 0.669
6 Rossi, Valentino Monster Energy Yamaha 1:59.625 0.728
7 Rabat, Tito Reale Avintia Racing 1:59.664 0.767
8 Marquez, Marc Repsol Honda Team 1:59.790 0.893
9 Petrucci, Danilo Mission Winnow Ducati 1:59.845 0.948
10 Nakagami, Takaaki LCR Honda Idemitsu 1:59.966 1.069
11 Zarco, Johann Red Bull KTM Racing 1:59.973 1.076
12 Bagnaia, Francesco Alma Pramac Racing 1:59.995 1.098
13 Espargaro, Aleix Aprilia Racing Gresini 2:00.101 1.204
14 Quartararo, Fabio Petronas Yamaha SRT 2:00.108 1.211
15 Morbidelli, Franco Petronas Yamaha SRT 2:00.151 1.254
16 Bradl, Stefan Honda Test Team 2:00.230 1.333
17 Espargaro, Pol Red Bull KTM Racing 2:00.305 1.408
18 Iannone, Andrea Aprilia Racing Gresini 2:00.510 1.613
19 Kallio, Mika Red Bull KTM test Team 2:00.523 1.626
20 Oliveira, Miguel KTM Tech 3 Racing 2:00.672 1.775
21 Mir, Joan Team Suzuki Ecstar 2:00.876 1.979
22 Abraham, Karel Reale Avintia Racing 2:01.245 2.348
23 Test 1, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:01.406 2.509
24 Guintoli, Sylvain Suzuki Test Team 2:01.654 2.757
25 Syahrin, Hafizh KTM Tech 3 Racing 2:01.859 2.962
26 Test 2, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:02.989 4.092
27 Tsuda, Takuya Suzuki Test Team 2:03.276 4.379

2019 MotoGP Sepang Test Day One Times

Pos Rider Team Fastest Lap Gap
1 Marquez, Marc Repsol Honda Team 1:59.621
2 Rins, Alex Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:59.880 0.259
3 Viñales, Maverick Monster Energy Yamaha 1:59.937 0.316
4 Rabat, Tito Reale Avintia Racing 1:59.983 0.362
5 Petrucci, Danilo Mission Winnow Ducati 2:00.051 0.430
6 Rossi, Valentino Monster Energy Yamaha 2:00.054 0.433
7 Nakagami, Takaaki LCR Honda Idemitsu 2:00.158 0.537
8 Dovizioso, Andrea Mission Winnow Ducati 2:00.197 0.576
9 Bradl, Stefan Honda Test Team 2:00.214 0.593
10 Espargaro, Pol Red Bull KTM  Racing 2:00.313 0.692
11 Miller, Jack Alma Pramac Racing 2:00.383 0.762
12 Morbidelli, Franco Petronas Yamaha SRT 2:00.460 0.839
13 Espargaro, Aleix Aprilia Racing Gresini 2:00.602 0.981
14 Crutchlow, Cal LCR Honda Castrol 2:00.681 1.060
15 Bagnaia, Francesco Alma Pramac Racing 2:00.694 1.073
16 Oliveira, Miguel KTM Tech 3 Racing 2:00.902 1.281
17 Test 1, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:00.965 1.344
18 Quartararo, Fabio Petronas Yamaha SRT 2:00.985 1.364
19 Kallio, Mika Red Bull KTM Test Team 2:01.054 1.433
20 Zarco, Johann Red Bull KTM  Racing 2:01.121 1.500
21 Iannone, Andrea Aprilia Racing Gresini 2:01.249 1.628
22 Guintoli, Sylvain Suzuki Test Team 2:01.286 1.665
23 Mir, Joan Team Suzuki Ecstar 2:01.432 1.811
24 Abraham, Karel Reale Avintia Racing 2:01.627 2.006
25 Test 2, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:01.736 2.115
26 Syahrin, Hafizh KTM Tech 3 Racing 2:01.853 2.232
NC Smith, Bradley Aprilia Racing Factory Team N/A N/A
NC Tsuda, Takuya Suzuki Test Team N/A N/A

Source: MCNews.com.au

#SepangTest Day 2 | Vinales catapults clear at the top

2019 MotoGP Sepang Test Day Two

Vinales catapults clear at the top


Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) got within just 0.067 of Jorge Lorenzo’s fastest ever lap of Sepang on Day 2 of testing, with the 1:58.830 set by Lorenzo last season – although not an official lap record – now surely under threat on Day 3.

Viñales had been hovering in third for much of the latter part of the day and left his vie at record breaking late as the final few minutes saw time attacks light up the timesheets.

More than three tenths up before the final sector, the Spaniard eventually crossed the line 0.527 ahead of nearest rival Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), setting both a supreme lap and a serious benchmark.


Maverick Vinales – P1

“Honestly, we tried to work really hard today on the race pace. We were always using the spec for the race. I felt good and around midday we made good lap times especially during the race simulation when it was hot, without grip, so I’m actually really happy how we worked today. We made a good improvement on the bike, so we need to try to do this again tomorrow.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Maverick Vinales
Maverick Vinales

That built on a positive first day on the timesheets for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Valentino Rossi in sixth added to the good vibes. The veteran Italian did 51 laps and was only two tenths off second, although the distance to his teammate stretched out from there. The Iwata marque confirmed they have a busy agenda, with different winglets and chassis items on the menu. Happy with progress since November, Team Director Massimo Meregalli says the biggest focus from Sepang is the last part of the corner and specifically, acceleration.


Valentino Rossi – P6

“We continued to work because we had some other items to improve and also today was not so bad. We found something that improved the performance and I think we did a good job. At the end my pace was always quite strong. So, it was a quite positive second day and we still have something to test tomorrow. We will try to continue to work and we’ll see what our situation is like at the end of the three days.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi

Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli ended the day in P14 and P15 respectively – and the Frenchman had a 2019 bike as he made that key step forward. They both did 58 laps.

Fabio Quartararo – P14

“The second day here at Sepang International Circuit has been very positive. This morning we set some good lap times on the new tyres and made the most of the track conditions to make a time attack, which I was really happy with. This afternoon we tried to improve but it wasn’t possible. We worked a lot on the setting of the bike, especially under braking, where we managed to improve the feeling. This evening we will analyse the data and come back tomorrow to try and improve the lap time and make more progress under braking, which is the area we have most room to improve.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Franco Morbidelli – P15

“Today we focused on improving grip and trying to set a good pace on used tyres. I am happy with the work we have done and with the progress we made on both tyre compounds. It was a shame to crash so early because we missed out on the coolest part of the day and the chance to make a good time attack. In general, we have improved the feeling from yesterday so I am happy. We are showing some good form in the test but we still have a lot of work to do. Tomorrow we will continue working, try to improve our performance and make more progress overall. We will keep pushing to the maximum.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Morbidelli
Franco Morbidelli

Alex Rins was the man who lost his top spot to Viñales after seeming set to end the day fastest, but the Spaniard’s 1:59.424 was nevertheless an incredible laptime and he did 61 laps on Thursday.

Suzuki Team Manager Davide Brivio said it’s going well and they have different swingarms, new aerodynamics with both riders and some different combinations; engine mapping, clutch, “things like that” – as well as an exhaust to try on Day 2. The Italian said their focus is fitting together the “puzzle” correctly for the first race, and the timesheets seem to bode well for Rins despite the Hamamatsu factory losing their concessions in 2019. Rookie teammate Joan Mir ended the day in P21 after 64 laps.


Alex Rins – P2

“Today was a very positive day; we tried the new fairing, some new electronics settings, and it was all good. My rhythm and race pace were very good, even on used tyres. We were able to confirm a lot of things, we still need to improve a little bit, but nothing major. Overall, I’m very happy with how it’s all going, and with my lap times too.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

On Rins’ tail was the fastest Ducati on Day 2 and once again it was an Independent Team rider – this time Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing).

The Australian was a late mover like those above him and was only a tenth off Rins by the end of play, putting in 49 laps.

Jack Miller – P3

“We have worked hard on the set up and tried many solutions. The feeling with the bike is very good and already with the used medium tyre I was able to lap very fast in high 1’59’’. It’s a shame about the crash: it’s the second one in two days at turn 9. Tomorrow I have to stop this bad tradition”.

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Jack Miller
Jack Miller

Just behind Miller came Andrea Dovizioso, who was the fastest Mission Winnow Ducati and looked set to top the day’s action until the late flurry of fast laps saw him pushed down to fourth. Initially the number 04 was working on frames, and Team Manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed that teammate Danilo Petrucci was focused on finding a better connection between the throttle and the rear tyre – working on the electronics and engine. Roles were then reversed, and Tardozzi also confirmed the Borgo Panigale factory also had some work on aero planned. That’s expected tomorrow. Today, it was two red machines in tandem as the two were on track together on some longer runs in the afternoon, with Petrucci saying he has “more to learn” than his teammate and ending the day in ninth.


Andrea Dovizioso – P4

“It’s been a really positive day, and I’m very happy with the way we’re working, which allowed us to gather plenty of interesting data. Today, we focused on some areas in which we struggled a bit in the past, finding good solutions. Instead of just riding alone, I also managed to do a couple of longer runs together with Danilo to bring the tyres to race distance, which helped us to better simulate what happens during a GP. We still have a few components to try tomorrow, development never stops and we’ll keep looking for more ways to improve our performance.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Andrea Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso

Danilo Petrucci – P9

“It’s been a very intense day from a physical standpoint, because we clocked a lot of laps and we even rode over the race distance in two consecutive runs during the hottest hours. I have to say we gathered a positive feedback, both from a technical and physical standpoint, and the team did an excellent job. A small setback prevented us from further improving our lap times, but the rankings are certainly not our priority at this point of the year. Compared with yesterday, we’ve been a lot more competitive with higher temperatures, which makes me really confident ahead of tomorrow.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Danilo Petrucci
Danilo Petrucci

Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) pipped Petrucci on his GP18 to end Thursday in P7, with Francesco Bagnaia fastest rookie in P12 for Alma Pramac Racing.

Pecco Bagnaia – P12

“It’s been a very good day. I worked much better than yesterday at the technical level and in the afternoon we made a big step forward. Tomorrow we will try to make a time attack and a race simulation but I think it is a positive test so far: lap after lap I feel to better understand the bike”.

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Pecco Bagnaia
Pecco Bagnaia

Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) put in a good showing on Thursday to take fifth overall and end the day as fastest Honda. The Brit is returning from a badly broken ankle sustained at Phillip Island last season but managed 53 laps to end the session within just 0.004 of Dovizioso. He also suffered a crash; Rider OK.


Cal Crutchlow – P5

“Today was a positive day and the team worked very well. We tried the 2019 bike all day, and we had two of them in the garage which meant we could do back-to-back tests on a few things. It was always the plan, so it’s good to do that. I felt quite comfortable over the day and we are pleased with what HRC has brought us to the test and as a race bike for this season.  My physical condition is not too bad as regards my ankle. I have more pain at the end of the day and the ankle is swollen due to the heat, but in general I’ve felt good on the bike. I had a small crash at turn five, which was a strange one because I wasn’t pushing or doing anything different – it was a first lap out of the pits. Luckily, I was ok. We look forward to the last day tomorrow, where we will focus more on working on the setting, and we can try and get all the information we need to be ready for the start of the season.“

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Cal Crutchlow
Cal Crutchlow

Next up for Honda was eighth placed Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), who downed tools early once again and put in 37 laps on Day 2 – although some of those were a longer run in the afternoon. The team confirmed they’re on schedule despite the lighter lap load for the reigning Champion, too – with Marquez routinely having done over 90 laps per test day last season – and were working on the new bike, new engine and electronics, with a lot to get through including some different fairings.


Marc Marquez – P8

“Today we worked much the same as yesterday and tried a few new things, the most important ones for Honda. I started the day well but then the shoulder started to get a bit worse so we stopped to be able to run well again tomorrow. I can’t ride exactly how I’d want, normally I’m a rider who brakes very late and deep but I can’t do that at the moment and have to brake earlier and smoother. In regards to the bike, we’ve been working mostly on corner exit but sometimes at this circuit the grip can change a lot.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez

Crutchlow’s teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) took P10 after 60 laps, with Stefan Bradl (Honda Test Team) taking P16 after 59 laps.

Takaaki Nakagami – P10

“Second day done, and we finished in P10, and to be inside the top ten is a good thing for us. This is testing however, and the main thing is that we stay focused on our programme and planned testing schedule, which we are doing. We are working hard to improve the set-up of the bike. Yesterday we had a bit of a struggle with the braking stability, but finally today we found an improvement and a better feeling on the brakes.  On the other hand, we are still missing a bit of edge grip on the rear. Tomorrow we have to see if we can find a better balance on the bike, and then we can make a race simulation.  At the end of the day today we went into the 1’59s, and that was my target for the day so that is good. We will keep pushing tomorrow of course and let’s see what happens.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Nakagami
Takaaki Nakagami

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing saw some tables turned on Day 2 as Johann Zarco ended the day as fastest Austrian machine for the first time since his switch to the marque. He said he outstripped his expected progress for the day and it made him smile to dip below the 2 minute mark for the first time, and he ended the day in P11 after 58 laps. Teammate Pol Espargaro was P17 and just over three tenths off the Frenchman.

KTM test rider Mika Kallio was a couple of places back, and just pipped Red Bull KTM Tech 3 rookie Miguel Oliveira.


Miguel Oliveira – P20

“It seems like we can improve our lap time every day a little bit. With the used tyres I was quite happy with my performance, also with the performance of the bike. It was only the last run, that we couldn’t improve the lap time, because we ran a different traction control setting, which was really something else and combined with the new tyre, it didn’t work. We had to learn, which direction to take and will finetune this area tomorrow to be able to go faster. I’m very motivated, plus the team is doing a great job, we understand the bike more and more. Today we were only missing the time attack, but I would say we are quite strong and on a good direction.”


Malaysian Hafizh Syahrin had a tougher day, outside the top twenty.

Hafizh Syahrin – P25

“To be honest, I’m still quite slow at the moment and far from the top, especially because Maverick (Viñales) improved in the end. But now I start to understand many things when I was on the track. Today I followed some others, while before I rode alone, trying to do my best to improve my lap time. When I followed some riders like my teammate Miguel and also Pol Espargaro and Mika Kallio, I tried to understand how they can do such a good turning. Now we found out where the point is and we’ll improve it for the last day tomorrow. I hope I can do something good. I keep my motivation and work hard and also try to give my best for my team.”


Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, meanwhile, had a race simulation fairly early on Day 2 for Aleix Espargaro as Andrea Iannone remained focused on adaptation. Bike balance, electronics and torque control were a focus for the Noale factory.

Espargaro ended the day in P13 after 54 laps, Iannone in P18 after 39.

Aleix Espargaro’ – P13

“Today I did a 20-lap race simulation and I am very satisfied, both with how I held up physically and with the performance of the RS-GP. I managed to lap in the first half of the long run at 2’00 and in the low 2’01s for the second half – a good pace that confirms our competitiveness with used tyres. I must be realistic and also consider that the track is in better conditions than those of the race, but I am still pleased with the performance. We are still lacking incisiveness when we have more grip on new tyres. It seems like the others are able to exploit it better on the flying lap.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Aleix Espargaro
Aleix Espargaro’

Andrea Iannone – P18

“Today we began to get to know the bike better, which is part of our growth path. There are some positive changes and some not so positive, so we’ll keep going without revolutionising the bike, but with the clear goal of constantly improving, lap by lap. We managed to find some advantages in performance with used tyres. I did my best lap precisely in these conditions and using the medium. I am pleased about that and I can confirm our potential, considering the fact that this is our first real test.”

MotoGP Sepang Test Day Andrea Iannone
Andrea Iannone

Romano Albesiano, Technical Manager, also confirmed that it’s not just the immediate future that Aprilia are working towards, with plans made to make some big changes in testing in order to set up some more radical development later in the season.


2019 MotoGP Sepang Test Day Two Times

Pos Rider Team Fastest lap  Gap
1 VIÑALES, Maverick Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP 1:58.897 ///
2 RINS, Alex Team SUZUKI ECSTAR 1:59.424 0.527
3 MILLER, Jack Alma Pramac Racing 1:59.517 0.620
4 DOVIZIOSO, Andrea Mission Winnow Ducati 1:59.562 0.665
5 CRUTCHLOW, Cal LCR Honda CASTROL 1:59.566 0.669
6 ROSSI, Valentino Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP 1:59.625 0.728
7 RABAT, Tito Reale Avintia Racing 1:59.664 0.767
8 MARQUEZ, Marc Repsol Honda Team 1:59.790 0.893
9 PETRUCCI, Danilo Mission Winnow Ducati 1:59.845 0.948
10 NAKAGAMI, Takaaki LCR Honda IDEMITSU 1:59.966 1.069
11 ZARCO, Johann Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 1:59.973 1.076
12 BAGNAIA, Francesco Alma Pramac Racing 1:59.995 1.098
13 ESPARGARO, Aleix Aprilia Racing Team Gresini 2:00.101 1.204
14 QUARTARARO, Fabio Petronas Yamaha SRT 2:00.108 1.211
15 MORBIDELLI, Franco Petronas Yamaha SRT 2:00.151 1.254
16 BRADL, Stefan Honda Test Team 2:00.230 1.333
17 ESPARGARO, Pol Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 2:00.305 1.408
18 IANNONE, Andrea Aprilia Racing Team Gresini 2:00.510 1.613
19 KALLIO, Mika Red Bull KTM FactoryTest Team 2:00.523 1.626
20 OLIVEIRA, Miguel KTM Tech 3 Racing 2:00.672 1.775
21 MIR, Joan Team SUZUKI ECSTAR 2:00.876 1.979
22 ABRAHAM, Karel Reale Avintia Racing 2:01.245 2.348
23 TEST 1, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:01.406 2.509
24 GUINTOLI, Sylvain Suzuki Test Team 2:01.654 2.757
25 SYAHRIN, Hafizh KTM Tech 3 Racing 2:01.859 2.962
26 TEST 2, Yamaha Yamaha Test Team 2:02.989 4.092
27 TSUDA, Takuya Suzuki Test Team 2:03.276 4.379

Source: MCNews.com.au

Danilo Petrucci tops opening day of Jerez MotoGP Test

Joan Mir fastest rookie

Alvaro Bautista tests 2019 Ducati

Jerez MotoGP Test- November 2018 – Day One

A cold morning in southern Spain meant the track action didn’t get going until 11:30am local time (GMT +1), but conditions soon improved in the afternoon as the premier class riders continued their crucial 2019 preparations under sunny skies in Jerez.

By the half way mark it was Repsol Honda Team’s Jorge Lorenzo heading the pack, but times would tumble further – and Petrucci would emerge fastest.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Jorge Lorenzo
Jorge Lorenzo

At Ducati, Petrucci completed 53 laps on Wednesday to be the only rider to dip below the 1:38 bracket. Both he and Dovizioso had a 2018 spec and 2019 spec bike to compare on the opening day in Jerez, but according to Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, both riders soon switched to the 2019 Desmosedici.

Danilo Petrucci – P1

“I’m very pleased with the way things went today, because it’s always good to finish the day in first place, but in particular I really like the feeling with the used tyre. I always felt good on the bike, like at Valencia, and for me this was important because we changed almost nothing in the set-up and in any case we always went well. Today we didn’t focus on lap times, but instead worked a lot on our pace and also tried some new components that gave us very useful information. Overall I’m really happy with the way we are working together as a team.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Danilo Petrucci
Danilo Petrucci

Dovizioso crashed at turn five on his final run which put a premature end to his day after getting 53 laps in as he and Ducati concentrated on electronics, chassis and the engine.  In the evening Andrea went for a check-up with the Clinica Mobile doctors, who diagnosed him with a bruised left thumb, but the Italian rider should be able to go out on track again tomorrow.

Andrea Dovizioso – P2

“Today we were able to do several tests and we were very quick, even on used tyres, and so I’m pleased about that. Unfortunately at the end of the session I crashed at turn 5 while I was improving my time and I hurt my left thumb. Luckily nothing seems to be broken and if the pain is bearable tomorrow I’ll continue with our work load because we still need confirmation on some of the new components.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Andrea Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso

The test also saw the presence of Álvaro Bautista, who on Monday and Tuesday had made his debut with the factory Panigale V4R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team with whom he will compete in the 2019 Superbike World Championship. In this two-day MotoGP test, Álvaro is standing in for Michele Pirro on the Ducati Test Team’s Desmosedici GP, because this afternoon the Italian underwent surgery on his right shoulder, which he injured in a crash during practice at Mugello. Bautista did a total of 64 laps, the best of which was 1’38.830, and he finished the day in ninth place.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Alvaro Bautista
Alvaro Bautista and Andrea Dovizioso

Álvaro Bautista – P9

“I’m very pleased to be able to help Ducati to develop the new bike and collect some important information, but it was also nice to get back on a MotoGP bike once again. It’s been two months since I raced the GP18 at Phillip Island, but today I felt good on the bike, even with the gearbox that created a few problems for me in Australia.We managed to test everything we had planned and I believe it was a positive day from all points of view. Tomorrow we’ll continue to try some new parts in view of the next season.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Alvaro Bautista
Álvaro Bautista

Just ahead of Bautisa was Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) in P8, the Australian on a part-2018 and part-2019 Desmosedici for the time being as he worked on the geometry.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Jack Miller
Jack Miller

Jack Miller – P8

“It was a good day for us. We have been on track a lot and lap after lap I feel more and more comfortable on the bike. The chrono is not bad even if I have to do better in the fourth sector where I think I have left at least three tenths of a second. Tomorrow we will also work on this”.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Jack Miller
Jack Miller

Miller’s rookie teammate Francesco Bagnaia (Alma Pramac Racing) had another good day on track and was 14th fastest on Day 1. The reigning Moto2 Champion has the 2018 Ducati available to him and he completed another 51 laps, finishing 1.189 off Petrucci. Bagnaia described Jerez as a “more difficult” track than Valencia to rider a premier class machine, but he also confirmed he’s progressing in the right way.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Bagnaia
Pecco Bagnaia

Pecco Bagnaia – P14

“This track is more demanding than Valencia and you need to control the bike a lot. I’m pleased with the progress made on the setup but I still have some difficulties in braking: I have to be able to use the rear brake more like Dovi does. We did a lot of laps with used tyres and the pace is good”.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Bagnaia
Pecco Bagnaia

For Honda, Takaaki Nakagami was the leading name on Day 1, continuing his impressive start to the 2019 preseason. The Japanese rider completed 66 laps on board a 2018 RC213V, the same bike teammate Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) was using last season. The number 30 rider said the improvement in the engine between the 2017 Honda and the 2018 Honda is quite big, and he was also able to set consistent lap times on the used tyre. Overall, Nakagami was delighted with his progress so far.

Takaaki Nakagami – P3

“I’m really happy with today’s first day of testing, and in particular with my feeling on board the bike. The lap time was really consistent both with new and old tyres. We focused on trying to improve rear grip, and Öhlins gave me a different shock and some other new items to test which were quite positive for me, because I had a really good feeling with the machine. Still we have to try to make myself more consistent in my riding with the used tyre. Tomorrow we have a few small things to try, but I am happy with the progress we have made on this first day.”

Reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) wasn’t far off, though. The second fastest Honda after the first day of action, the Spaniard ended Wednesday P5 on the timesheets. According to Team Manager Alberto Puig, the bikes were the same as they had in Valencia as the Japanese factory continue to mix parts in order to find the best combination to take to Japan. Marquez ended the day 0.549 from the top after completing a half-century of laps, while also sporting a new aero package on the front of his Honda.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez

Marc Marquez – P5

“We started with this season’s bike before swapping to the new one. We did that in order to try and better understand a few things, because the feeling is different. Tomorrow we’ll concentrate more on the new version. Today we mainly worked on the bike’s base setup and tried some new details. Our race pace was good. I already feel comfortable on the bike, and tomorrow we’ll work to further adjust the setup and geometry, besides continuing to try new particulars. I think the base is good and that we’re going on the correct direction.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez

New teammate Jorge Lorenzo, who led in the morning for a time, was seventh fastest on his third day riding a Honda. The Spaniard set a quickest time of 1:38.749 to finish 0.781 off Petrucci after getting another 56 laps under his belt. Lorenzo is still not 100% fit, adding to the challenge of adaptation from the Ducati.

At Yamaha, work continued on the engine. Maverick Viñales (Yamaha Factory Racing) was a threat at the top throughout the day and put in 58 laps before the end of play – with the number 12 finishing up just over four tenths off the top in P4. He said they were working on race pace, but also said they’re not yet sure about one of the two different spec engines they’re testing – with more work to do on Thursday. Viñales was joined in the pit box by new crew chief Esteban García for the first time today.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Maverick Vinales
Maverick Viñales

Maverick Viñales – P4

“We tried the same engine as we used in Valencia, to try to understand which way we should go. This track is even more difficult for us than Valencia, there it‘s easier to make a good lap time, so I‘m quite happy that today we were so consistent with many laps on the tyre. The track was a bit slippery for our bike today, but the M1 was working well, so I think the decision is more or less made, but we still have to check. I prefer riding with more engine brake, because for my riding style it helps a lot. I‘m quite curious to see what happens tomorrow when we start modifying the set-up a little. Let‘s see if we can be more competitive. I think we can still improve the electronics and the base set-up a lot, because the bike works a bit different now and it permits me to enter the corner faster, so we need to change the setting, because I can ride more naturally now. It was a good first day with Esteban. It was good to reconnect, he‘s a really calm person, so we work well together. We were on top for a while today, so I‘m happy.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Maverick Vinales
Maverick Viñales

Teammate Valentino Rossi was a later presence pitting out, but the number 46 put in 50 laps on Wednesday once out on track. He ended the day just over a second off Viñales, in P17, but didn’t put in new tyres. He also suffered a technical problem that brought one run to a halt, with Rossi pulling off track after hearing a problem in his M1.

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Valentino Ross
Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi – P17

“At the end my position in the timesheets is really bad, also because we had some problems with the new tyres, so I didn‘t do a time-attack. My pace is a little bit better, but I have to check the data more thoroughly. We continued to test the engine, we made some comparisons. The direction to go in and the decision is quite clear. I started riding on new tyres, but at one point I heard a strange noise, so I stopped. I sincerely don‘t know what happened yet.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Valentino Ross
Valentino Rossi

Petronas Yamaha SRT, meanwhile, had another solid day. Franco Morbidelli was sixth overall after 70 laps and a best of 1:38.659, and rookie teammate Fabio Quartararo ended the day in sixteenth. The Frenchman’s best was a 1:39.414 as he continues settling into the premier class.

Franco Morbidelli – P6

“I am very happy with today. We have backed up the good feeling from Valencia at a different circuit, which is not as suited to the characteristics of our bike as other tracks. It has been a good day in terms of our speed, we have to improve our consistency but the feeling on new tyres was good. We have to work out what else we can improve and I also have to keep learning but it’s a case of ‘so fast, so good’. Today we basically focused on working with the electronics at this circuit, especially on our first runs. We also tried some set-up changes but nothing really new compared to last week.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Franco Morbidelli
Franco Morbidelli

Fabio Quartararo – P16

“Today we took another step forward in terms of corner speed, in comparison with Valencia, which is important. Now we need to analyse corner by corner where we are losing the most time – some in the exit, some in the entry – and see from the data what we can work on. The important thing is that we are improving and especially here at one of the most difficult circuits on the calendar, where I have not ridden a MotoGP bike before. I am really happy with today and I hope we can continue improving tomorrow. We have saved some new tyres with the second day’s work in mind.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Fabio Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was another entering a new era who impressed – and he was the fastest rookie. He led the way for Suzuki in Jerez to finish the day tenth on the timesheets, although, the 2017 Moto3 World Champion suffered his first MotoGP crash after going down at Turn 7 just after 13:00 local time. The Spaniard was ok and headed back out later in the day to improve – a hot 1:38.956 his best time, putting him under a second from the top.

Joan Mir – P10

“The important thing is that I’m feeling good. I have some bumps and bruises but nothing worse, despite it being a hard crash. After the crash I was able to get my good feeling back straight away and recover my lap times, and I continued to put in laps until the end of the day. I set a time in the 1:38 bracket and I’m very satisfied with that for the first day. I also worked a bit on the electronics and a few new parts. We’re happy with what we’ve achieved today and how it’s all been going, and we hope tomorrow will also be good.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Joan Mir
Joan Mir

His teammate Alex Rins, alongside test rider Sylvain Guintoli, had a lot of new parts to try on Wednesday. The new engine and the chassis has been the main focus for the Hamamatsu factory, with the new engine more powerful than last season’s. According to Team Manager Davide Brivio, Rins was on an aluminium chassis, while Guintoli was testing a carbon-based chassis – with Brivio also confirming the plan is to build an aluminium chassis that has the same stiffness as the carbon one.

Davide Brivio – Suzuki Team Manager

“Today was a good day, despite Joan’s crash. Fortunately he was OK and able to test again in the afternoon. He set some very good lap times and he tried a few different parts, he did a good job after the crash. Alex had a tricky day with a lot of hard work on testing; back-to-back comparisons with chassis in order to get as much information as possible. So we feel good about today and everything is on schedule. We’re looking forward to working again tomorrow.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

Rins ended the day P13 on the timesheets after completing 87 laps – the most of any rider – while Guintoli was P22.

Alex Rins – P13

“I tried the 2019 chassis today and I’m quite happy. The new chassis has some positives and some negatives at the moment, but we’ve only just started to test it so there’s plenty of time to make more comparisons and improvements. I also had the new engine to try, the one I already had in Valencia last week. I feel that the new spec. engine has more power than the old one. We’ve improved it since Valencia, because there it felt a bit aggressive, but now the power delivery has been made smoother thanks to the electronics. So now I feel really good with this engine, but we’ll continue working on it to get the perfect feeling. We got a lot done today and we’re happy.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

At Aprilia, the test got off to a tough start as Aleix Espargaro missed Day 1 through illness – although he’s hoping to ride on Thursday – but new signing Andrea Iannone put the Noale factory in P11 overall with a 1:39.008. He was only able to complete 24 laps, however, then sitting out the rest of the session after a crash. Test rider and new arrival Bradley Smith, meanwhile, did 69 laps. He was working with Aleix Espargaro’s bikes, with a new spec engine focused on power delivery and torque, and each Aprilia rider had two chassis to compare. CIV Superbike superstar Matteo Baiocco was also on track for the Noale factory, and he did 49 laps.

Bradley Smith – P18

“This type of test with Aleix’s material was planned, but his physical problem sped up the timeline. It was important for me to test all the material available to Aprilia in order to complete the programme and provide the technicians with the best possible indications. Compared to Valencia, some big steps forward were made. I feel much more at ease with the RS-GP. Today I compared to different types of engine and tomorrow morning I’ll continue with Aleix’s bike before going back in the afternoon to work with the test team.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Bradley Smith
Bradley Smith

Finally, for KTM, it was all hands on deck as the Austrian factory look forward after a more difficult 2018 – Valencia notwithstanding – and they had six bikes in the garage. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider was the lead Orange machine on Day 1 in Jerez too, in P15 with a best of 1:39.241 after 58 laps. New teammate Johann Zarco was in P19, but the focus? Development and definitely not the timesheets. KTM are working on a huge list – seamless gearbox, chassis parts, aerodynamic parts, a slightly different engine…and they’re using the new IMU.

Their two Independent Team riders at Red Bull KTM Tech 3, meanwhile, were working on the best bike from 2018 – although they’re expected to receive an update in Sepang. Hafizh Syahrin did 51 laps with a best of 1:40.630 and rookie Miguel Oliveira put in 61 laps, ending the day around a second off his more experienced teammate.

Hafizh Syahrin – P21

“The first day here is already over and I have the feeling that we are going in the right way together with my crew to set up the new bike. We start to understand it step by step, the character and how to ride it. We did quite a good amount of laps and began to find out how the suspension works, what we can change about it and how we can use it. We believe that we could have improved the lap time if we would have changed the tyres again, but we saved them because I wanted to do a long run in order to simulate a race. Even by the end, my lap times were quite good. So, I’m very happy and I hope we can make another step forward tomorrow, trying to get closer to the top.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Syahrin
Hafizh Syahrin

Miguel Oliveira – P23

“Today we rode here in Jerez de la Frontera for the first time. We made some good progress in the course of the day. We didn’t do huge steps, but went one small one by another. We were able to understand the bike better and better, found some things that are missing, which also refers to the riding side. Now we focus on improving tomorrow.”

MotoGP Test Jerez Nov Day Miguel Oliveira
Miguel Oliveira

Testing continues on Thursday.


Jerez MotoGP Test- November 2018
Day One Times
  1. PETRUCCI Danilo 9 ITA Ducati Team Ducati 1:37.968
  2. DOVIZIOSO Andrea 4 ITA Ducati Team Ducati 1:38.185 / 0.217
  3. NAKAGAMI Takaaki 30 JPN LCR Honda Honda 1:38.348 / 0.380
  4. VINALES Maverick 12 SPA Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha 1:38.376 / 0.408
  5. MARQUEZ Marc 93 SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1:38.517 / 0.549
  6. MORBIDELLI Franco 21 ITA Petronas Yamaha SRT Yamaha 1:38.659 / 0.691
  7. LORENZO Jorge 99 SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1:38.749 / 0.781
  8. MILLER Jack 43 AUS Alma Pramac Racing Ducati 1:38.816 / 0.848
  9. BAUTISTA Alvaro 19 SPA Angel Nieto Team Ducati 1:38.830 / 0.862
  10. MIR Joan 36 SPA Team Suzuki Ecstar Suzuki 1:38.956 / 0.988
  11. IANNONE Andrea 29 ITA Aprilia Racing Team Gresini Aprilia 1:39.008 / 1.040
  12. RABAT Tito 53 SPA Reale Avintia Racing Ducati 1:39.097 / 1.129
  13. RINS Alex 42 SPA Team Suzuki Ecstar Suzuki 1:39.150 / 1.182
  14. BAGNAIA Francesco 63 ITA Alma Pramac Racing Ducati 1:39.157 / 1.189
  15. ESPARGARO Pol 44 SPA Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 1:39.241 / 1.273
  16. QUARTARARO Fabio 20 FRA Petronas Yamaha SRT Yamaha 1:39.414 / 1.446
  17. ROSSI Valentino 46 ITA Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha 1:39.564 / 1.596
  18. SMITH Bradley 38 GBR Aprilia Racing Test Team Aprilia 1:40.174 / 2.206
  19. ZARCO Johann 5 FRA Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 1:40.192 / 2.224
  20. ABRAHAM Karel 17 CZE Reale Avintia Racing Ducati 1:40.438 / 2.470
  21. SYAHRIN Hafizh 55 MAL Red Bull KTM Tech 3 KTM 1:40.630 / 2.662
  22. GUINTOLI Sylvain 50 FRA Team Suzuki Ecstar Suzuki 1:40.743 / 2.775
  23. OLIVEIRA Miguel 88 POR Red Bull KTM Tech 3 KTM 1:41.699 / 3.731
  24. BAIOCCO Matteo 15 ITA Aprilia Racing Test Team Aprilia 1:42.766 / 4.798

Source: MCNews.com.au

2019 MotoGP Test Day Two Results | Notes | Images | Quotes

2019 MotoGP Test Day Two

A single second covers the top 14

Maverick Viñales (Yamaha Factory Racing) got his 2019 preseason off to the perfect start after he topped both days at the Valencia Test, setting the quickest time of 1:30.757 to better second place Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso by 0.133 and reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) by 0.154 as the premier class riders completed a busy day of testing in Valencia; the rain staying away on Wednesday.

MotoGP Valencia Day Maverick Vinales
Maverick Viñales

For Viñales and teammate Valentino Rossi – who ended the test eighth fastest – another new spec’ of engine was available for them to test, after Tuesday saw them test the first spec of the 2019 Yamaha engine.

Ending the test top can only be a good sign for the Spaniard, who managed to complete 57 laps on Day 2, setting his quickest time on his 50th lap as we saw a mini time attack occur during the afternoon.

Viñales said it will now be important to continue testing in Jerez, feeling like they’ve made good progress but needing more time on the new one after another slightly later start on Day 2 due to a damp track.

Maverick Viñales

“It has been a positive test. We’ve been working a lot on improving for the first lap of the race. I’m actually really happy because from the first lap I felt good grip and I could push. There’s still work to do to further improve the engine braking and the smoothness of the power, so that’s what we will work on in Jerez. It was unlucky that we couldn’t ride all day, like we had planned. We couldn’t test the engines very well, so we’re going to decide after Jerez which of the two we choose. As I said, we need to try more, to be more convinced about the engine decision, but I think we’re on the right track. We need to focus on the riding style and getting a smoother bike will be very important, especially when there’s no grip during the race, but there is an upgrade coming that will help a lot. In these last two days I only focused on the engine and didn’t touch anything concerning the setting. I think we could have improved the set-up for Valencia a lot, but I’m happy that just focusing on the engine we improved by some tenths.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Maverick Vinales
Maverick Viñales

The Doctor was very focused on getting his YZR-M1‘s new engine in perfect shape ahead of the 2019 season. He completed 63 laps in total and set a 1’31.371s after completing two-thirds of his testing programme, which was enough to keep him in ninth position in the rankings, 0.614s from today’s best time. The lap also earned him ninth place in the overall Valencia test results, as almost all MotoGP riders improved on their best effort on the second day.

Valentino Rossi

“We were able to improve compared to yesterday, but unfornately our opponents were able to improve more. Today was a bit more difficult. We tried a different engine and a different spec, but it was similar to the one we tried yesterday so they have more or less the same performance. For now we keep the same material, and next week we will try it again at another track, in Jerez, so there we’ll try to understand it in a better way. After that we have to wait for next year. The test in Jerez is important because in the GP there in May we weren’t very fast. We need to understand if we’re stronger now.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi

Massimo Meregalli – Yamaha MotoGP Team Director

“We‘ve made a very productive start to the 2019 pre-season, and we have quite a few things to be positive about. Our wish for some dry testing time was granted, though we had to wait until the afternoon on both days. Still, the hours on track allowed us to get a lot of work done. As announced during the Valencia GP weekend, Maverick and Valentino focused mainly on comparing the new engine evolution to the 2018 engine. The new engines improve the engine braking, and the acceleration is smoother. Both riders really only concentrated on comparing the engines, without touching the chassis setting. They both gave positive and similar feedback on what we tried during this test. We managed to do 60% of what we had scheduled. So far we‘re on the right path. Next up is the two-day test at Jerez that will be crucial in preparing for the 2019 season. We’re heading in the right direction, so that’s our motivation to keep working hard.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi

VR46 Academy rider and YZR-M1 rookie Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), meanwhile, did 57 laps as he continues to adjust from Honda to Yamaha – but that adjusting doesn’t seem to be taking the 2017 Moto2 Champion long.

Interestingly, Morbidelli was also riding with a new spec engine to finish Day 2 just 0.217 off Viñales, but he was on a 2017 chassis. Carbon forks were also used by Morbidelli, while rookie teammate Fabio Quartararo got a valuable 63 laps (101 in total) under his belt as he impressed on his premier class debut – just 1.334 separated the Frenchman from the fastest time set.

Franco Morbidelli

“It has been a really good day for us, we have been able to complete more laps than yesterday and learn more about the bike. We have done a good job and in the end we have finished with a good lap time, although that’s not the important thing at the moment. The priority is to give good feedback to the team and the Yamaha engineers, to work on everything we can to improve the bike and at the same time maximise its strong points. We played around a little with the setting today but only at a basic level to understand more about how it works. I am very happy and a little surprised by our speed and consistency but we have to focus on continuing to improve because so far this is just testing.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Franco Morbidelli
Franco Morbidelli

Fabio Quartararo

“We have been able to improve a lot on the second day of the test – as far as the lap time is concerned, by almost two seconds – and I am really happy with all the work we have done. We couldn’t get too many laps in yesterday but today every time I went out the feeling with the bike improved. With the new tyre I was always able to improve and with the used tyre I could stay constant. We have only tried some very small things with the set-up of the bike – little details like the footpegs and the front suspension. We had the last five minutes available to practice starts and the first one was a little strange because it was the first time I had tried launch control, but from the second one I felt better and better and I know we will continue to improve. I am very happy with this first test, the team have done a great job. Now I am looking forward to more at Jerez!”

MotoGP Valencia Day Fabio Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Wilco Zeelenberg -Petronas Yamaha SRT Team Manager

“It has been a very positive test for the whole team. Fabio [Quartararo] has completed his first laps on a MotoGP bike and watching his progression, and seeing where he finished up, I think he has done a good job. We are trying to guide him in the best way possible but once he is on the bike it is him that makes the decisions. Franco [Morbidelli] has more experience and was fast from the start, I think we have all been impressed by his lap times and the flow of information is also very good. The start gun has been fired and now we have to keep working at Jerez next week.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Franco Morbidelli
Franco Morbidelli

For Marquez and teammate Jorge Lorenzo, the ‘second version’ 2019 bike was used. This bike isn’t the full 2019 version, but a combination of parts including the chassis, engine, a Ducati-esque tank modification on Lorenzo’s bike, aero packages, a new air intake, new suspension and a relocated steering damper.

MotoGP Valencia Day Jorge Lorenzo
Jorge Lorenzo

Honda have different combinations of everything and Marquez said he was concentrating on the engine, too. Plenty of laps were done by both multiple World Champions – neither of whom are at full power with some injury struggles – on a productive day, Marquez ended up in P3 after 53 laps, while Lorenzo completed 46 laps – 0.827 off the top for the ‘Spartan’.

MotoGP Valencia Day Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez

Marc Marquez – P3

“It was a good day for us, as we tried many things and got a lot of information. Today we mainly worked on the new bike and the engine setup, but not only on that. We had many things to try and to understand, as the feeling is quite different. In the morning I was really comfortable and I was already able to be fast. Then I stayed there, remained calm and kept the rhythm, because to be honest, it was a must-not-crash situation today. We tried different combinations, spending a lot of time in the garage in the morning, but I was able to make a few consistent runs in the afternoon.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez

In the Ducati garage, 57 laps were completed by Dovizioso – and the second fastest time – after a more productive day for the Italian. The number 04 and teammate Danilo Petrucci were on Desmosedicis that were very close to being 2019 specs, the latter ending the day fifth fastest after 60 laps – 0.202 from top spot.

MotoGP Valencia Day Andrea Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso

Andrea Dovizioso

“Today went better than yesterday because we were able to do a lot of tests, including back-to-back ones, during which we found some interesting solutions. These were small details and now we want to try them in different conditions and on another track to get some more precise feedback. These two days of tests at Valencia have been very positive and now we will try and confirm the same sensations at Jerez.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Andrea Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso

Danilo Petrucci

“I’m pleased with this second day of tests because we were able to try a lot of things and we were always pretty fast, up near the top of the timesheets. I was able to lap consistently with excellent times, even though we didn’t do many tests with different set-ups, and this means that the 2019 bike has a good base. In the end, I only missed out on a quick lap, but I’m very pleased with the way the team is working, with even more engineers helping me, and this made all the difference.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Danilo Petrucci
Danilo Petrucci

Meanwhile, test rider Michele Pirro – who crashed at Turn 2 – was on the full spec 2019 machine, with Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) on board a ‘first step’ 2019 bike, according to Team Manager Davide Tardozzi. Dovizioso commented he’d found something “interesting” that will now be explored further at Jerez.

Michele Pirro

“Today I didn’t do many laps, just 14 in total, when the track wasn’t very fast, but we still managed to do a test that gave us some very useful information. Unfortunately, the problem with my right shoulder, which has worsened since Sunday, didn’t allow me to work well and I crashed again. In ten days’ time I’ll finally be able to have an operation and then I want to turn over a new page.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Michele Pirro
Michele Pirro

Jack Miller

“I’m very happy. We’ve had two days of very interesting tests. The feeling with the bike is very good. It’s clear that there’s still work to be done on the setup and fixing some details but the first sensations are extremely positive”.

MotoGP Valencia Day Jack Miller
Jack Miller

It was another good day for 2018 Moto2 World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, who – also according to Tardozzi – was on an early 2018 spec Ducati. The rookie was able to lap 49 times on Day 2 to bring his overall tally up to 87 as he ends the test just 0.648 off the fastest time.

Pecco Bagnaia

“It’s been two important days. The first impact with Ducati was impressive and I must say that I immediately found myself very well with the whole team that made me feel at ease. We have made great strides forward and in Jerez we will work to continue to improve”.

MotoGP Valencia Day Bagnaia
Pecco Bagnaia

Fellow Desmosedici rider Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) returned to MotoGP action at the Valencia Test, and impressed immensely. Still nowhere near 100% fit, the Spaniard completed 59 laps on his GP18 on Day 2 – in addition to his 36 on Day 1 – to finish just over a second off pacesetter Viñales.

Tito Rabat

“This was a positive test. We did a good job, we were calm and I used every lap to learn more about the new bike and some new staff members in my team. I’m very happy about this test and I’m in love with my Ducati GP18. The bike turns better and the power is incredible. Now we have to keep working in the same way at Jerez next week”.

MotoGP Valencia Day Tito Rabat
Tito Rabat

Rabat’s new teammate Karel Abraham continued to familiarise himself with the team and to adapt to his new Ducati GP18, a bike quite different from the one he rode until last Sunday. Abraham also improved his pace from the first day and wants to progress even more at the next two days of testing at Jerez.

Karel Abraham

“Today we did a lot of work and we were able to test many things on the bike, but we have more to do next week in Jerez, where we will double-check the set-up base that we established. We know the potential of the bike is much higher than our position in the time sheets today, so we have to work hard to get the best out of this machine. That’s why I’m not completely happy. But the first connection with the team is good and I’m sure we will improve during the winter test to get to the maximum before the season starts in Qatar”.

MotoGP Valencia Day Karel Abraham
Karel Abraham

The LCR Honda Idemitsu Team recorded positive results for their Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami. Testing the 2018 Honda RC213V which his injured team-mate Cal Crutchlow had used during the season, Nakagami made significant progress, and ended the test as the second-fastest Honda behind world champion Marc Marquez. The 26-year-old completed 70 laps of the track, more than any other rider present, and ended up eighth on the timesheets, just a half-second behind the best lap overall.

Takaaki Nakagami

“We made a really important step forward today, and with each outing I felt much more confident with the bike. The lap times were good and we were only a few tenths behind the fastest riders. I’m really happy to be on this competitive bike and step by step we are just trying to find the right set-up for it. The position is good, so I’m really happy with the work we have done as a team, and particularly happy with my new crew chief Giacomo (Guidotti). We mainly worked on set-up of the chassis today, and that was the main thing. Then we did a few back to back tests to double check things. The new Michelin rear tyre that all the riders tested was also a positive for me. All told it has been a positive test for us, and now we go to Jerez and try to keep moving on forwards.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Nakagami
Takaaki Nakagami

Elsewhere, some big news from the test over at Team Suzuki Ecstar was the new engine that Alex Rins was testing on Wednesday. The Spaniard was able to register 69 laps and set the seventh fastest time of the test, 0.497 from Viñales. And what about teammate Joan Mir? Well, the rookie continued his very solid debut to finish 0.957 off P1 after getting 56 laps done. Team Manager Davide Brivio says the engine will also be a key focus in Jerez, before important decisions are made going into the winter break.

Alex Rins

“My first impression of the new engine was good. I did a lot of laps with both the old engine and the new spec one, so I could compare and contrast. In the end my fastest lap came with the old engine, but we’ll continue to work. The new one has a lot of power and that’s a good sign. The main difference is in the power delivery on the whole curve, I can feel that a lot with the new engine spec. Let’s see what we can try in Jerez next week. I’m feeling good.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

Joan Mir

“I’m very happy overall, I was improving in each session on the track and I was able to try a lot of things such as electronics. I’m learning a bit more about how MotoGP works and how the adjustments change the feel of the bike. My pace has been good, and that’s a great thing. But in Jerez I will try to work on setting fast laps, because here I wasn’t really able to set a very pacy lap. But I’m very happy with how everything is going so far. I can’t wait for Jerez!”

MotoGP Valencia Day Joan Mir
Joan Mir

Davide Brivio – Suzuki Team Manager

“This has been a productive and positive test for us, despite the weather conditions which prevented us from completing the whole programme we had. Alex made some improvements in setup and electronics at first, and then today he could finally test the new engine spec. Despite the fact that we still have some areas to finalise his first impressions were positive, and we got some important indications. We also wanted to try the 2019 chassis but due to the weather we’ll try it in Jerez. Joan continued his apprentice programme, after getting confident with the bike yesterday, today he began to appreciate how the bike’s behaviour changes as soon as we apply some modifications. For him the job was mainly focused on set up and electronics. These two days have been in line with our expectations and have helped us prepare for Jerez, where we will try to finalise the base bike that we will use in Sepang in February.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

Ken Kawauchi – Suzuki Technical Manager

“It’s been a positive test, except for the weather. It’s normal at this time of the year but it meant we didn’t have much track time. Alex at least was able to try the new engine for next year, which was helpful for starting the process of adjusting it. We’ll continue this work next week. As a rookie Joan has been very impressive and worked well, and both riders have done a very good job. The level of competition has been high among all the manufacturers, so we need to stay focused and get even more improvements.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

At KTM, it was a more difficult second day for Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he crashed twice on Day 2 trying to find the limit, ending the two-day test 1.752 off Viñales’ time. 50 laps were completed by the Frenchman, who was again the first rider to head out after the Circuit Ricardo Tormo took a while to dry in the morning.

MotoGP Valencia Test Zarco GPT AN
Johann Zarco – AJRN Image

Teammate Pol Espargaro ended 0.871 from Viñales in P13, 47 laps fulfilled for the Spaniard who had a new fairing to try – and was focusing on electronics, as he’d reported on Day 1.

Pol Espargaro

“By the end, we wanted to do a fast lap time because it’s what people see, but we had some problems with that. Anyway, I think we’ve done a good job. We tried many things on the bike. All the staff are happy and have still a lot of things to try. We’ll continue in Jerez!”

MotoGP Valencia Day Pol Espargaro
Pol Espargaro

There was a late crash for Hafizh Syahrin (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) at Turn 10 after the Malaysian continued his adaptation to a new machine, with both he and teammate Miguel Oliveira riding 2019 RC16 machines. The Portuguese rider completed 46 laps on Day 2 – 79 in total – to finish 3.041 from the top, shaving over a second off his fastest time from Day 1.

Hafizh Syahrin

“Overall, we had a decent test. I didn’t look at the lap time these two days, but tried to feel good on the bike, to get used to it and to understand the electronic. On the first day, until we didn’t touch anything on the bike, but this afternoon we changed some things on the front and the rear, which was positive. Later today, it was quite cold and we used the medium tyre. I had a small crash in turn 10, but I was in a good shape and had a good rhythm to understand the bike. We try to continue working hard and to understand, also for the team to learn the new electronic. I hope we have some great weather in Jerez and aim to improve with every session.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Hafizh Syahrin
Hafizh Syahrin

Miguel Oliverira

“Today we definitely made a step forward compared to yesterday and improved our lap time obviously. We did much more laps than yesterday and just continued to work on the bike. Toady we started to touch some areas, after we had basically the same bike throughout the day on Tuesday. Now we were able to make some changes. Because everything is new, it took the team a bit of time to make these changes and also to adapt my comments from what I wish to have from the bike, so it’s a learning curve for everyone in this particular situation. So far, it has been positive.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Miguel Oliveira
Miguel Oliverira

With Andrea Iannone (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) crashing twice and test rider Bradley Smith crashing once, it was also a difficult day for the new Noale factory riders, although Iannone shrugged off his two crashes as a natural consequence of finding the limit on a new bike.

Teammate Aleix Espargaro was on engine testing duty and trying chassis updates, and a P10 finish and 55 laps completed signalled a solid day’s work as the Spaniard ended the two days 0.643 off the pace. 

Aleix Espargaro

“We did a good job in these tests. Today I tried a new frame, also continuing the tests on the new engine that I had used yesterday. The feeling was good, although I want to try everything again in Jerez, which is a rather different track than this one and more indicative. We know well which areas we need to work on and the arrival of two new riders with a lot of experience helps us to focus our priorities. This will be a very demanding winter, because these two days confirmed the level of the championship that awaits – even higher than the season that just ended if that’s possible.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Aleix Espargaro
Aleix Espargaro

It was the second day of work with Aprilia for Andrea Iannone as well who was able to carry out a series of comparative tests, lapping both with the 2018 configuration bike and the more recent evolution that the team had used in the latest races. The Italian rider continued his apprenticeship, working primarily on adapting the RS-GP to his riding characteristics. He turned 32 laps today, with a best time of 1’32.124 and two crashes without any physical consequences.

MotoGP Valencia Day Andrea Iannone
Andrea Iannone

There was plenty of work for the Aprilia Racing Test Team, with two RS-GP machines entrusted to new-entry Bradley Smith. On today’s 58 laps, the English rider mainly looked for a base setup on which to then work in the next tests, testing new components and technical solutions. His best lap stopped the clock at 1’33.028.

Bradley Smith

“It was nice to do several laps with the new bike and the new team today. Our goal is first and foremost to gain familiarity with the RS-GP, find a base setup that will then allow us to better assess the various technical upgrades that we’ll need to test as our experience grows. We worked a lot on the electronics and we made some slight changes to the suspension calibration, reaching a level where I am more at ease. I adapted rather quickly. I didn’t struggle too much to find a good position in the saddle and I can’t wait to get back on the track in Jerez to give the guys more information so we can prepare the 2019 bike as best as possible.”

MotoGP Valencia Day Bradley Smith
Bradley Smith

That’s a wrap from Valencia now, but there’s more action coming before the winter break! Make sure to keep up to date from the Jerez Test on the 28th and 29th November.

2019 MotoGP Test Day Two Times

  1. VIÑALES, Maverick Yamaha Factory Racing 1:30.757 50 / 57
  2. DOVIZIOSO, Andrea Ducati Team 1:30.890 0.133 0.133 39 / 57
  3. MARQUEZ, Marc Repsol Honda Team 1:30.911 0.154 0.021 39 / 53
  4. MILLER, Jack Alma Pramac Racing 1:30.939 0.182 0.028 63 / 66
  5. PETRUCCI, Danilo Ducati Team 1:30.959 0.202 0.020 57 / 60
  6. MORBIDELLI, Franco Petronas Yamaha SRT 1:30.974 0.217 0.015 44 / 58
  7. RINS, Alex Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:31.254 0.497 0.280 65 / 69
  8. NAKAGAMI, Takaaki LCR Honda Idemitsu 1:31.304 0.547 0.050 68 / 70
  9. ROSSI, Valentino Yamaha Factory 1:31.371 0.614 0.067 38 / 63
  10. ESPARGARO, Aleix Aprilia Racing Gresini 1:31.400 0.643 0.029 37 / 55
  11. BAGNAIA, Francesco Alma Pramac Racing 1:31.405 0.648 0.005 44 / 49
  12. LORENZO, Jorge Repsol Honda Team 1:31.584 0.827 0.179 40 / 46
  13. ESPARGARO, Pol Red Bull KTM Factory 1:31.628 0.871 0.044 45 / 47
  14. MIR, Joan Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:31.714 0.957 0.086 42 / 56
  15. RABAT, Tito Reale Avintia Racing 1:31.940 1.183 0.226 49 / 59
  16. QUARTARARO, Fabio Petronas Yamaha SRT 1:32.091 1.334 0.151 61 / 63
  17.  IANNONE, Andrea Aprilia Racing Gresini 1:32.124 1.367 0.033 31 / 32
  18. FOLGER, Jonas Yamaha Test Team 1:32.265 1.508 0.141 29 / 47
  19. PIRRO, Michele Ducati Team 1:32.376 1.619 0.111 10 / 14
  20. ZARCO, Johann Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 1:32.509 1.752 0.133 38 / 50
  21. ABRAHAM, Karel Reale Avintia Racing 1:32.906 2.149 0.397 35 / 52
  22. SYAHRIN, Hafizh KTM Tech 3 Racing 1:33.008 2.251 0.102 31 / 43
  23. SMITH, Bradley Aprilia Racing Test Team 1:33.028 2.271 0.020 49 / 58
  24. OLIVEIRA, Miguel KTM Tech 3 Racing 1:33.798 3.041 0.770 45 / 46

Source: MCNews.com.au