FIM MotoGP World Championship
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
June 18, 2018
Test Results (all on Michelin tires):
1. Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.916
2. Andrea Iannone, Italy (Suzuki), 1:39.020
3. Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 1:39.362
4. Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Ducati), 1:39.488
5. Johann Zarco, France (Yamaha), 1:39.534
6. Cal Crutchlow, UK (Honda), 1:39.727
7. Dani Pedrosa, Spain (Honda), 1:39.738
8. Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:39.793
9. Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:39.797
10. Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:39.799
11. Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:39.915
12. Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Honda), 1:40.004
13. Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (Yamaha), 1:40.108
14. Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:40.124
15. Bradley Smith, UK (KTM), 1:40.462
16. Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:40.541
17. Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:40.721
18. Scott Redding, UK (Aprilia), 1:40.732
19. Xavier Simeon, Belgium (Ducati), 1:41.145
20. Thomas Luthi, Switzerland (Honda), 1:41.207
21. Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 1:41.316
22. Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 1:41.976
More, from a press release issued by Monster Yamaha Tech3:
No rest for Monster Yamaha Tech3 pair as testing continues
Less than 24 hours after the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya Johann Zarco was back on track working on his feeling and race pace at the circuit close to Montmeló. The Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider was working with some setting changes and eventually managed to complete 72 laps, concluding the test as the fastest Yamaha rider in a fine fourth position.
In the meantime, Hafizh Syahrin was working on his riding style aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1. Overall, the Malaysian rookie did 42 laps with a fastest time of 1’40.108 minutes, just one second from the top and confirmed his great performance of the Grand Prix weekend. Yet, Syahrin is highly motivated to come back strong in eleven days in Assen.
Johann Zarco
Position: 5th – Time: 1’39.534 – Laps: 72
“Today in Catalunya we mainly worked on improving our feeling on the bike, playing with a different setup and can always better understand the bike. We did a few exits in the morning to warming up the body and then I did long runs to have a better feeling than what I got during the race on Sunday. We found a few things, me also while riding, which is all I need to have a good race in Assen in a few weeks.”
Hafizh Syahrin
Position: 13th – Time: 1’40.108 – Laps: 42
“We just tried a new tyre from Michelin today, plus I was working on my riding style. I changed the braking to brake harder initially in order to stop the bike easier. We made a good step. After the crash yesterday, I don’t feel 100 percent fit, so we stopped a bit earlier today. Anyway, we are on a very good way and try to keep working further in this direction. I hope, that I can continue like last weekend when we are in Assen, being strong from the first Free Practice on.”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Castrol:
PRODUCTIVE TEST FOR CRUTCHLOW
LCR Honda CASTROL’s Cal Crutchlow was towards the top of the timesheets as the majority of the MotoGP class returned to the Barcelona Circuit on Monday for a day of official testing. The Briton had already demonstrated his prowess in the resurfaced layout yesterday as he produced an assured ride to claim fourth place in the Grand Prix of Catalunya. He completed a total of 61 laps (6th overall) during the test session as he gathered more valuable data ahead of the next round in Assen where he is hopeful of maintaining his impressive recent form.
Cal Crutchlow – 6th
(1’39.727 – lap 22 of 61)
“It was quite a good day but extremely hot. We’ve tried many different things including electronics and a new Michelin front tyre which could help us in the future. We didn’t concentrate on lap times so much but I think we had a very productive test. Lapped the circuit 61 times and gathered useful data for the future races. Next stop will be Assen and our target remain the podium but it’s also very important to gain points for the standing”.
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Idemitsu:
NAKAGAMI FOCUSED ON ASSEN AT BARCELONA TEST
LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider Takaaki Nakagami was back out on the resurfaced Barcelona Circuit on Monday as he took part in a day of official testing. Sunday had proved a disappointing day for the Japanese talent as he crashed out of the Catalunya Grand Prix having recorded his best result of the season in qualifying a day earlier.
However, Nakagami was keen to focus on the future and spent much of the day working on the set up of his bike for the next round of the championship in Assen. The 26-year-old also put in some practice on his starts and is hoping the work will pay off as the season progresses.
Takaaki Nakagami– 16th
(1’40.541 – lap 44 of 88)
“The test is going well, we’re checking on the set up again and also have done a lot of practice on the start. We’ve tried to change the mappings for the start and are improving for the future. But we’re also working towards Assen because it’s a bit of unique circuit and the layout there needs you to take it easier on the bike”.
More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:
TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR COMPLETE USEFUL BARCELONA TEST
Andrea Iannone: 2nd – 1:39.020 (+ 0.104)
Alex Rins: 8th – 1:39.793 (+ 0.877)
Sylvain Guintoli: 21st – 1:41.316 (+ 2.400)
•All three riders testing and comparing new chassis.
•Improvements found in set-up and bike feeling.
•Team looking to Assen with positivity.
Following a hot and difficult Catalan GP, the riders took to the Montmelo Circuit again on Monday morning for an Official IRTA test. After such a strong start to the season, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR were keen to build on the success already achieved this season, and to test new parts and redefine existing ones.
Andrea Iannone used the morning to compare two different chassis, and he was able to set a very fast lap of 1:39.020 early on in the test session, this time stood for most of the day. In total the Italian completed 37 laps and found improved feeling with the bike, and he took positivity from the day in general.
Alex Rins also compared the two different chassis in the morning, as well as trying a new swingarm during the afternoon. He was feeling happy after improving on his feeling with the bike, as well bettering his lap times around the Catalan track. Alex completed 83 laps.
Sylvain Guintoli carried out his usual good work as a Test Rider, and managed to try many new parts and different settings. The Frenchman gave useful feedback to the team and felt that the test had gone very well. Sylvain completed 62 laps.
Ken Kawauchi – Technical Manager
“We tested some new items including the new chassis that we already introduced in Mugello, and we got positive feedback from the riders. We want to say thank you to the riders for helping us today, because they’re obviously tired after the race weekend. We got some good data and we will use it at the next race in Assen.”
Davide Brivio – Team Manager
“I think it’s been a useful test today because we needed to stop and check in more detail the latest reinforced carbon chassis, and Andrea and Alex both liked this chassis. Although the other one also has positive points, so we have to look at the data and make our decisions for Assen. Andrea finished his test at lunch time, but Alex was able to continue, so with him we could compare some other chassis settings, geometry, and other things, which could be very useful for the next races in order to improve our package. Sylvain has helped us a lot too, trying some new electronics and continuing some other testing. We’re looking forward to using the information in the next races.”
Andrea Iannone
“Today we compared chassis, we have had a new one since Mugello, and here we compared the two different ones. During the race weekend it’s always really difficult to do that because we prefer to stay on the standard chassis and focus on the race. But today the plan was to do several comparisons with the chassis, and in the end I think we’ve made a good choice and done a good job during the test. I’m really very happy because I’ve improved my feeling with the bike, especially with the front end. Suzuki always has a great chassis and great base, it’s one of the best things about this team, so it was not about which was better or worse, just about which feeling I prefer. My sights are still set on the top, so we will keep fighting to get there.”
Alex Rins
“For sure it’s been a positive test, we’ve tried a lot of things as well as comparing the old and new carbon chassis. In the afternoon we tried some new swingarms, and in theory everything seems to be going very well. The chassis helps stability when braking, and that’s helpful for me. We improved on our best lap time from the weekend too, and that was important. So in general everything is positive and we’re working well as we go to Assen and the other races, even if the weather is not always good in Holland!”
Sylvain Guintoli
“Today has been great. First of all, to get back on the bike, because yesterday I was so disappointed to go out so early in the race and I was really happy just to get back on and enjoy it again. The testing programme has gone well, we’ve tested some new items such as a new electronics set-ups, and for me it was very good. We found some other successful items too, such as different forks. Everything we tried is going well and that has been great. The bike is feeling really nice now, especially after I went back to longer forks and got better feedback from the front tyre.”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Marquez tops testing in Barcelona
Reigning Champion leaves it late to take over at the top from Iannone
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) topped the one-day Official Test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with a late 1:38.919 despite a fall, with most of the grid back on track on Monday after the Grand Prix. Working on their own agendas as well as testing a new Michelin tyre, it was a busy day for many – not least of all the man on top.
Marquez, who put in almost ninety laps, took P1 from Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Andrea Iannone by a tenth late on, and had a machine in the box with a black livery – seemingly focused on aerodynamics, with the box closed to prying eyes for most of the day. Teammate Dani Pedrosa put in nearly 80 laps, and he was P7 despite a crash.
LCR Honda Castrol’s Cal Crutchlow was sixth and just thousandths ahead of Pedrosa. He was working on aero too, as well as suspension and electronics. Teammate and LCR Honda Idemitsu rookie Takaaki Nakagami was P16 after 88 laps, with fellow Honda-riding rookie Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) beating him to top debutant in P12.
Despite Honda and Marquez taking over late on, Iannone reigned the timesheets for much of the day, with the Italian putting in 37 laps. He was joined by teammate Alex Rins – P8 after 83 laps – and test rider Sylvain Guintoli for the Hamamatsu factory as they continued working with a new chassis, and Rins tried a new swingarm in the afternoon.
Tito Rabat was the leading Ducati machine, with the Real Avintia Racing rider putting in over 80 laps and ending the day four tenths off Marquez. He focused on suspension and showed yet more great pace at the venue. Teammate Xavier Simeon worked on track time, doing over 70 laps and ending the day in P19. Fellow Borgo Panigale machinery runners Alma Pramac Ducati had Danilo Petrucci in hot pursuit of Rabat in P4, with 40 laps put in despite a crash and work focused on the chassis of his GP18. Teammate Jack Miller was tenth, working on braking and making the bike smoother after race winner Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) set a high benchmark on Sunday. The Ducati Team were not present.
Top Yamaha was Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Johann Zarco in P5, with the Frenchman putting in more than 70 laps, working on setups. Teammate Hafizh Syahrin was P13 after 42 laps. Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales was the second fastest for the Iwata marque in ninth, doing more than 80 laps and they worked, for one, on electronics. Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was P14 after 58 laps.
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro and Scott Redding were P11 and P18 respectively, working on improvements with their race bikes.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing were out in full force with Pol Espargaro, Bradley Smith and test rider Mika Kallio. Espargaro had a crash at the final corner in the afternoon. He was working with the early version of the 2019 RC16 ridden in wildcard performances by Kallio, and the three were focused on engine and chassis. Smith was top Austrian machine in P15, Espargaro was P17 and Kallio didn’t do many laps following a crash on Sunday.
Now it’s time to head north to the TT Circuit Assen, where action begins from the 29th June.
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
Repsol Honda conclude test in Catalunya with Marquez top and Pedrosa seventh
With no rest after yesterday’s Catalan Grand Prix, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, their crews, and the HRC engineers returned to the track today to continue their relentless work on the RC213V’s development during an official post-race test.
Marc was the fastest of the day with his lap of 1’38.916” on lap 86 of 88. Dani finished the day seventh with a time of 1’39.738” on lap 75 of 77.
Marc Marquez 93
1ST 1’38.916 (86/88)
“We worked a lot today as we had several things to test, some of which were quite important. As always in testing, some of them worked well, and others were good in that we gathered information for the future. We also worked on the electronics and aerodynamics. At the end of the day, we put together all the good things we had found, and I was able to set a fast time. Anyway, the most important thing is that we had a good test.”
Dani Pedrosa 26
7TH 1’39.738 (75/77)
“Today we worked from 10 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon, non-stop, so thanks to the team for making a great effort; each modification required hard work, and we tried many. Basically, we worked on the bike’s geometry. It wasn’t easy to understand everything because the temperature increased a lot over the day, affecting the track conditions. Still, though we always have to keep our feet on the ground, we hope we were able to find a few things, including a slight modification to the geometry settings compared to the race. We’ll go in that direction now and see if we’ve chosen the right path.”
More, from a press release issued by Movistar Yamaha:
MOVISTAR YAMAHA COMPLETE CATALUNYA MOTOGP TEST
The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team returned to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya today to take part in the one-day official MotoGP IRTA test. Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi finished in 9th and 14th place respectively in the session timesheets.
Montmeló (Spain), 18th June 2018
Less than a day after the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team were back in action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Catalunya MotoGP Official Test. Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi were keen on spending the extra track time usefully, working on their bikes’ race set-ups. They clocked the 9th and 14th fastest time of the day respectively.
Viñales once again showed his impeccable work ethic as he worked around the clock to better his bike‘s race set-up whilst riding with a full tank. He completed a total of 85 laps, looking for improvements and testing small details of the settings. He ended the day dipping under the 1‘40s-mark, dropping a 1‘39.797s on lap 81. His fastest lap earned him ninth place, 0.881s from first.
Having secured his third consecutive third place of the 2018 MotoGP season yesterday, Rossi arrived at the track motivated to make another step forward. Rather than wanting to set a fast time, the Doctor worked on acceleration, trying solutions he hadn‘t been able to test during the race weekend, and also ran a new tyre for Michelin. He completed 58 laps in total. His fastest time, a 1‘40.124s lap set on lap 13, put him in 14th place in the rankings, 1.208s from today‘s fastest time.
The team will analyse the gained data in preparation for the Motul TT Assen, held at the TT Circuit Assen from June 29th – July 1st.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
Our riders spent today‘s time following their own testing plans. Maverick worked on his race set-up, riding with a full tank, whilst Valentino tried a new Michelin tyre and some options to improve acceleration. Some of the things we tried today were more successful than others, so we will take this information on board for the next GP. This championship is still open in terms of the rider, constructor, and team standings, so we will continue to work hard to prepare for the next round in Assen.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
We‘ve been working a lot with a full tank, especially concentrating on the first five-six laps, where I struggled the most. I think we improved a lot at the end, in the afternoon, and I‘m happy about that. I tried to sit a bit more backwards, because I thought I could ride better like that. It didn‘t turn out that way, because it upsets the front. Finally, the bike was the same, we just tried different set-ups to make the front tyre work. I think we did a good job today, but it‘s just a test day, we need to prove it during a race. I hope to come back strong in Assen and be able to push from the beginning of the race. The bike is there, I just need to make the first five laps in a good rhythm.
VALENTINO ROSSI
We had some new stuff for today, to try to improve the acceleration. We worked hard, also on some other details and we tried a tyre for Michelin, for the future, that I like and it‘s not so bad. Unfortunately we weren‘t able to improve our performance and acceleration, but yesterday’s third place gives us great motivation for the next races.