Editorial Note: The current race lap record is a 1:31.171 set by Jorge Lorenzo in 2016.
FIM MotoGP World Championship Test
Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Valencia, Spain
November 21, 2018
Day Two Test Results (all on Michelin tires):
1. Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:30.757
2. Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Ducati), 1:30.890
3. Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:30.911
4. Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:30.939
5. Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Ducati), 1:30.959
6. Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:30.974
7. Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.254
8. Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:31.304
9. Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:31.371
10. Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:31.400
11. Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.405
12. Jorge Lorenzo, Spain (Honda), 1:31.584
13. Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:31.628
14. Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.714
15. Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 1:31.940
16. Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:32.091
17. Andrea Iannone, Italy (Aprilia), 1:32.124
18. Jonas Folger, Germany (Yamaha), 1:32.265
19. Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 1:32.376
20. Johann Zarco, France (KTM), 1:32.509
21. Karel Abraham, Czech Republic (Ducati), 1:32.906
22. Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (KTM), 1:33.008
23. Bradley Smith, UK (Aprilia), 1:33.028
24. Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:33.798
25. Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), no time recorded
More, from a press release issued by KTM Tech 3:
Syahrin and Oliveira make huge steps on test day two
On the second and last day of the official IRTA test in Valencia, Hafizh Syahrin and Miguel Oliveira progressed significantly aboard their KTM RC16 machines. Following a partly wet opening yesterday, both KTM Tech3 Racing riders were able to put in some more kilometres on a dry Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Syahrin, who’s just about to start his second season in the premier class, used the available track time well to get to know his new working tool better and better, which was obvious in his lap times as he went 1.225 seconds quicker than on Tuesday. Meanwhile, MotoGP rookie Oliveira approached the new category further and lowered his lap time by 1.32 seconds after 46 laps throughout his second day.
With the conclusion of this first test in preparation of 2019, the KTM Tech3 Racing crew is already on the way to Jerez de la Frontera to take part in the second official two days pre season test from next Wednesday.
Hafizh Syahrin
Position: 22nd – Time: 1’33.008 – Laps: 43
“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.”
Miguel Oliverira
Position: 24th – Time: 1’33.798 – Laps: 46
“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.”
More, from a press release issued by Alma Pramac Racing:
Valencia MotoGP™ Test – Day2
#ValenciaTest Day-2. Impressive test for Jack and Pecco who finish in P4 and P11 respectively
The official MotoGP tests at Valencia ends up with extremely positive indications in sight of the 2019 season of Alma Pramac Racing. Jack Miller found a great feeling with his new Ducati Desmosedici GP 2019 while Pecco Bagnaia literally surprised on board the 2018 version.
Jack worked hard on the set up of the bike and was the fastest on the track (324.0kmh) notching up the chrono of 1’30.939 that allowed him to ends up the test in Valencia, at only 128 thousandths from the fastest lap of Vinales.
After the excellent result obtained in day-1 (P11), Pecco and his team started to work on the details. The Italian rider has made further progress in obtaining the Top 10 but above all managed to finish the day just 648 thousandths from the leader of the standings.
P11 – 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”.
P4 – 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”.
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
Valencia Test
Repsol Honda Team enjoy a productive final day at Valencia test
The Repsol Honda Team’s second and final day of testing at Valencia was finally completely dry. As was the case yesterday though, Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo took to the circuit around 1 pm, when air temperature and track conditions improved enough for the riders to collect valuable information for the HRC engineers to analyse.
Marc’s fastest time of 1’30.911” on lap 39 of 53 placed him third-fastest on this final day. Jorge turned 46 laps and finished in 12th place at 1’31.584” (lap 40).
Marquez and Lorenzo will take part in a two-day test in Jerez, Spain 28-29 November before the winter testing ban kicks in at the end of the month.
Marc Marquez 93
3RD 1’30.911 (53 LAPS)
“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.”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Idemitsu:
NAKAGAMI ENDS VALENCIA TEST IN EXCELLENT EIGHTH PLACE
The LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team completed the second of two days testing at the Valencia circuit in Spain on Wednesday, with 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.
Nakagami and the LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team now travel to Jerez in southern Spain next week, for the final testing duties of the 2018 season, before the winter testing ban begins in December.
Takaaki Nakagami – 8th
(1’31.304 – lap 68 of 70)
“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.”
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Gresini Racing:
MOTOGP TESTS IN VALENCIA COME TO A CLOSE
APRILIA PREPARES FOR ITS 2019 SEASON WITH ESPARGARÓ, IANNONE AND SMITH
The preparatory work for the 2019 season continued today in the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini garage, busy on the second and final day of tests in Valencia.
Aleix Espargaró focused on comparing the two different engine configurations and two chassis solutions, with the goal of defining the 2019 development base. The analysis will also continue in the next tests in Jerez, where the Spanish rider will be able to put the new solutions to the test on a track with different characteristics. Aleix did his best time at 1’31.400 on lap 37 out of 55 total, good enough to earn him tenth place in the rankings.
It was the second day of work 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.
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.
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.”
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.”
More, from a press release issued by Movistar Yamaha:
MOVISTAR YAMAHA MOTOGP CONCLUDE POSITIVE VALENCIA TEST
Maverick Viñales continued his good feeling during the final day of the Valencia MotoGP Official Test, ending the seven-hour session in first place again. Valentino Rossi also had a productive second day at the Circuito de la Comunitat Valenciana – Ricardo Tormo. He too spent the afternoon testing the new engine evolution and set the ninth fastest time.
Valencia (Spain), 21st November 2018
Despite having to sit out the first three hours of available track time in the pit box again, waiting for the riding conditions to improve, the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team were able to complete most of their testing programme on the second day of testing at the Circuito de la Comunitat Valenciana – Ricardo Tormo.
Similar to yesterday, Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi both spent all their testing time getting familiar with the new engine evolution.
Following the same procedure as yesterday, Viñales made his way out on track with more than four hours on the clock. The Spaniard picked up his work on the 2019 engine spec where he had left off and, despite a small crash, proceeded to gradually better his time throughout the day. He rode a total of 57 laps and improved on his personal best from the first day by 0.659s, setting a 1’30.757s lap on his 50th try. He ended the session leading the rankings with a 0.133s advantage over his closest rival. This result puts him in first position in the combined test timesheets.
Rossi arrived at the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP pit box around the same time as his teammate, heading out on track in the afternoon. 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.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
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.
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.
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.
More, from a press release issued by Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team:
Promising start for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in Valencia
Malaysian outfit complete first test as a MotoGP team with excellent feeling, as Franco Morbidelli laps 6th fastest and Fabio Quartararo 17th after first two days of 2019 preseason.
After an exciting first day yesterday, the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team continued their preparations for a debut campaign in the MotoGP World Championship with more positive results today. The second and final day of the Valencia test allowed Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo to complete a more comprehensive programme with their Yamaha YZR-M1 machines, the pair finishing the test in sixth and seventeenth place respectively.
Once again both riders took to the track at around 1pm this afternoon, improving on their best laps from yesterday on their very first outing. Morbidelli again showed a swift adaptation to his new surroundings and after 58 laps of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit the Italian rider finished sixth fastest with a best effort of 1’30.974. On the other side of the garage, Quartararo slashed almost two seconds off his best from yesterday, clocking a 1’32.091 to finish sixteenth fastest after 63 laps. The day ended with five minutes of practice starts.
The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team will be back in action next week at the Jerez Circuit – Angel Nieto, Spain, for another two-day session on 28-29 November, before signing off until 2019.
Wilco Zeelenberg – 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.”
#21 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.”
#20 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!”
More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:
FIRST TEST OF 2019 COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY
Alex Rins: 7th – 1’31.254 (+0.497s)
Joan Mir: 14th – 1’31.714 (+0.957s)
•Alex Rins has first feel of 2019 GSX-RR engine.
•Joan Mir continues the learning process.
•Team looking forward to next test in Jerez.
After a difficult first day of testing in which weather conditions impacted on the amount of track time available to the riders, it was a similar story on Day 2 with much of the morning session lost due to the track being too cold.
Nevertheless, Alex Rins was able to build on the work done yesterday, and finally try the brand new 2019 engine spec. Due to conditions, he was not able to test the chassis but he reported positive feelings and is looking forward to trying the full 2019 GSX-RR package in Jerez next week. He completed 69 laps and finished 7th, less than half a second from the leader.
Joan Mir continued to get to grips with his graduation into MotoGP. He used the second day of testing to compare the feel of various different adjustments and to learn more about setting up his GSX-RR. The rookie still managed a great 14th place, and put in 56 laps.
The Team will head to the Circuit of Jerez for the second 2019 test next week, from Wednesday 28th November.
Ken Kawauchi – 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.”
Davide Brivio – 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.”
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.”
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!”
More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
Two days of official MotoGP testing draw to a close at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit
Two days of official MotoGP testing marking the start of the 2019 championship season have come to a close at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Cheste (Valencia).
Once again the field of riders could only go out late in the morning, after the track had completely dried out following another night of rain in Valencia.
The two factory Ducati Team riders focussed their work load on the 2019 version of the Desmosedici GP, obtaining positive feedback, and at the end of the session Andrea Dovizioso was second quickest with a time of 1’30.890, while Danilo Petrucci ended the day in fifth place with a best lap of 1’30.959.
They were joined on track by Michele Pirro, who following a crash and a worsening of the pain in his right shoulder, only completed 14 laps with a best time of 1’32.376
The MotoGP teams and riders will be back in action next week at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in southern Spain where the last two days of official testing this year are scheduled for 28 and 29 November.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 2nd – 57 laps – 1’30.890
“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.”
Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team #9) – 5th – 60 laps – 1’30.959
“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.”
Michele Pirro (Ducati Team #51) – 19th – 14 laps – 1’32.376
“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.”
More, from a press release issued by Reale Avintia Racing:
Tito Rabat and Karel Abraham complete the first test for 2019 with positive feelings
MotoGP Test Valencia – Ricardo Tormo
Reale Avintia Racing riders Tito Rabat and Karel Abraham,completed the first test for 2019 with positive feelings at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia today.
The riders had to wait for dry conditions again, as the asphalt of the 4,005 m track was full of wet patches. But once the action started for Rabat and Abraham, the work of the team progressed consistently. Tito Rabat rode 59 laps with his new Ducati GP18 and finished the test 15th overall. He improved his best lap from the first day by almost one second and he left Valencia only 1.1s behind the fastest time.
His 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.
Next week, Reale Avintia will continue the winter test program at the Angel Nieto Circuit in Jerez, at the second official MotoGP test for 2019 season.
Tito Rabat | 1’31.940 | P15
“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”.
Karel Abraham | 1’32.906 | P21
“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”.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Timesheets tight on Day 2 of testing in Valencia
It’s Viñales leading the way but there’s more track action on Day 2
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.
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. For nine-time World Champion Rossi, meanwhile, a good haul of 63 laps were set as the Italian ended the day 0.614 off his teammate.
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.
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. 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, with Marquez ending P3 after 53 laps, with Lorenzo completing 46 laps – 0.827 off the top for the ‘Spartan’. The number 93 had this to say: “It’s interesting because Lorenzo already tried the new bike. Step by step. The Honda is a difficult bike in the first days but he will arrive soon.”
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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. “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!”
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.
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. Iannone was able to get 32 laps done, with Smith putting in the work to get 58 circulations complete.
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.
More, from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM:
KTM GET 2019 MOTOGP UNDERWAY AFTER FIRST PRE-SEASON TEST AT VALENCIA
MotoGP IRTA Test 2018 – Circuit Ricardo Tormo (ESP)
Red Bull KTM made their first laps with the 2019 spec KTM RC16 on Tuesday and Wednesday at Valencia and the Ricardo Tormo circuit that was scene of their fantastic first MotoGP podium finish on Sunday. Pol Espargaro and new recruit Johann Zarco dialled through set-up configurations and the factory also saw the KTM Tech 3 Racing crew wheel out their new equipment for the first time in the hands of Hafizh Syahrin and Miguel Oliveira.
After the poor weather across the nineteenth and final round of 2018 MotoGP in Spain, Red Bull KTM were able to count on sunnier and brighter conditions for their first work towards the 2019 FIM World Championship. Pol Espargaro, still elated after his run to a brilliant third position in the Valencia rain, notched 35 laps on Tuesday (before more untimely showers cut the afternoon short) and 47 on a dry Wednesday to focus mainly on electronics and other key points of the ’19 KTM RC16. The Spaniard showed top ten pace when pushing for a quick chrono effort.
Across the garage Johann Zarco made his eagerly awaited Red Bull KTM debut and spent both days feeling his way around the motorcycle and altering the characteristics to suit his style. The former double Moto2 World Champion and 2017 Rookie of the Year clocked 86 laps in total. He suffered two small crashes on Wednesday but otherwise profited from his initial taste of the Austrian machinery.
Another significant sight in Valencia was the all-black KTM Team Tech 3 KTM’s of Hafizh Syahrin and Miguel Oliveira. The Malaysian is beginning his first full MotoGP pre-season while the Portuguese is one of four rookies in the premier class for 2019. Both were also busy with their acclimatisation.
Pol Espargaro: “It has been a positive test: you can always take the positive parts of whatever you do. We tried many, many things, especially electronics. We had a nice test, even if we had a problem going for a really fast lap in the end. The team is happy. We still have much to do but we have Jerez in a few days. Last year we were quite good there with a test after the race. I have good memories. The bike has changed much since then and we still have some changes to make. It is good to have more fast riders on the bike like Johann, the test riders and the young guys at Tech 3. They just need time and experience.”
Johann Zarco: “I wanted to improve my lap-time more today but we could not do it. I can really feel the potential of the bike but we still need to get the speed. It was a shame to have two crashes but I didn’t have any injuries and it helped to understand things about the bike and what I might have to change with my riding style. Step-by step. I’m building up this adventure. We are working on corner entry feeling and to find a direction but we improved and I felt I could play with the bike. I’m already thinking about what changes I need to make. Anyway, it was pretty nice to get on that bike and something so different that I’ve discovered in MotoGP until now. Even all the colours, the suit: it was exciting!”
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 electronics. On the first day, 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. I hope we have some great weather in Jerez and aim to improve with every session.”
Miguel Oliveira: “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 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.”
Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “It was quite an interesting test. We brought Johann into the team and we’d been looking forward to that for quite some time. The target of the test with him was to get him familiar with our bike and how it works and reacts. He tried many different things with the settings. He also has a new Crew Chief and some other team members so it was a good start. He crashed today but luckily nothing big and it showed him some limits and understanding. We’ll make some analysis this week and hope to make another step in Jerez. Pol gave some good feedback about the new parts we had for him and we have some exciting potential for a new direction. The job these days was firmly towards 2019 and overall we’re happy.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “Today was the start of a new phase for us in MotoGP and it was impressive and emotional to see four KTMs pulling out of the pitlane these days. We had a great end to 2018 and the work did not stop on Monday to get everything and everyone ready for Tuesday and today. It was another special moment to see the Tech 3 guys warming up those RC16s and making their first steps with us. It was a big effort to put it all together for these two days so thanks to everyone involved. On the track we went about our work. Pol carried over his confidence from Sunday while Johann came into the team and started to learn the bike and the guys around him. The same could be said for Tech 3. We’ll keep pushing now until next week and then come out strong when we can run on the track again next year.”
MotoGP will now move further south and to Jerez to continue testing on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th November and the last track days before the winter period.
MotoGP IRTA Test Comunitat Valenciana – Ricardo Tormo 2018 Day 1
1. Maverick Viñales (SPA), Yamaha 1:31.416
2. Marc Marquez (SPA), Honda +0.302
3. Valentino Rossi (ITA), Yamaha +0.429
4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA), Ducati +0.599
5. Stefan Bradl (GER), Honda +0669
KTM
9. Pol Espargaro (SPA), KTM +0.763
17. Johann Zarco (FRA), KTM +1.419
24. Hafizh Syahrin (MAL), KTM +2.817
25. Miguel Oliveira (POR), KTM +3.702
MotoGP IRTA Test Comunitat Valenciana – Ricardo Tormo 2018 Day 2
1. Maverick Viñales (SPA), Yamaha 1:30.757
4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA), Ducati +0.133
2. Marc Marquez (SPA), Honda +0.154
4. Jack Miller (AUS), Ducati +0.182
5. Danilo Petrucci (ITA), Ducati +0.202
KTM
13. Pol Espargaro (SPA), KTM +0.871
20. Johann Zarco (FRA), KTM +1.752
22. Hafizh Syahrin (MAL), KTM +2.251
24. Miguel Oliveira (POR), KTM +3.041