DUCATI RIDER BREAKS MOTOGP LAP RECORD AT SEASON TEST
In a stunning display of speed and skill, Enea Bastianini, a factory rider for Ducati, set a new lap record at the MotoGP Sepang pre-season test. Bastianini, who had a challenging 2023 season marred by injuries, showed his prowess on the 2024-spec Ducati by claiming the top spot on the timing screens during the final hour of the test.
Bastianini’s record-setting lap of 1m57.134s was a clear indication of his comfort with the new Ducati machinery. He even had a chance to break the 1m56s barrier after two sectors, but unfortunately, couldn’t maintain the pace in the final sector. Nevertheless, his performance showcased the potential of the 2024-spec Ducati.
The day also saw impressive performances from other riders. Jorge Martin of Pramac Ducati, who set the pace on day one, continued to impress with a lap record of his own. Brad Binder of KTM, Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia, and Pecco Bagnaia also managed to lap below the previous record.
Notably, Fabio Di Giannantonio on a year-old Ducati was the fastest among riders on older machinery, narrowly edging out Alex Marquez of Gresini. Marco Bezzecchi, Di Giannantonio’s teammate, had a chance to move up the standings but unfortunately crashed on a fast lap, finishing in ninth place.
Pedro Acosta, the sole rookie in the field, continued to make a name for himself by finishing between Marquez and Bezzecchi in eighth place. Acosta’s performance was commendable, considering he was six tenths of a second behind the leader, Bastianini.
The test also marked a significant milestone, as all manufacturers broke the 1m57s barrier for the first time at Sepang. Joan Mir of Honda and Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha led the way for their respective teams, with Quartararo consistently performing well in the first and second sectors.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Honda. Luca Marini, their new signing, reported that the new RC213V was less competitive during longer stints. Despite this setback, Marc Marquez of Gresini Ducati managed to log an impressive 72 laps and finished 14th-fastest, within a second of Bastianini.
The day was not without its share of crashes. Johann Zarco of LCR Honda and Maverick Vinales of Aprilia both had last-corner crashes, while Acosta and Augusto Fernandez of Tech3 Gas Gas also experienced falls. Franco Morbidelli and Raul Fernandez were absent from the test due to injuries, but test riders Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori represented Pramac Ducati and Trackhouse Aprilia, respectively.
The Sepang pre-season test will conclude on Thursday, with MotoGP teams heading to Qatar for the final pre-season test on February 19-20. The excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season continue to build as riders push the limits and showcase their skills on the track.
Yamaha’s Bid to Keep Quartararo: Learning from Hamilton’s Moves
In an effort to convince Fabio Quartararo to stay with Yamaha in MotoGP, the team is taking an unconventional approach by referencing Lewis Hamilton’s past decisions to switch teams. Despite the oddity of this tactic, Yamaha believes it can learn valuable lessons from Hamilton’s experiences.
Marquez’s Bumpy Start with Ducati
Marc Marquez’s first day riding the Ducati MotoGP bike in 2024 didn’t go as smoothly as his debut in Valencia last November. The transition to the new team proved to be more challenging than expected for the talented rider.
Injury Woes for Fernandez and Morbidelli
Raul Fernandez, the Trackhouse Aprilia rider, will be joining Franco Morbidelli on the sidelines for the remainder of the three-day MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang. Both riders will be unable to participate due to injuries, leaving them out of crucial testing sessions.
Morbidelli’s Setback
Pramac Ducati MotoGP rider, Franco Morbidelli, will not only miss the current pre-season test at Sepang but also the upcoming one in Qatar. This unfortunate consequence is a result of a crash during road bike testing at Portimao.
The Escalating Aero War in MotoGP
The battle over aerodynamics in MotoGP is intensifying as we enter 2024. The introduction of a Formula 1-style aero rake during testing is a visually striking development that is sure to unsettle many fans and riders alike.
Impressive Performances at Sepang Testing
Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta made a strong impression on the opening day of collective MotoGP testing at Sepang. Their exceptional performances put them at the forefront, with Marc Marquez trailing behind in ninth place.
Appealing Coverage for All Fans
Our coverage caters to both die-hard fans and newcomers to the sport, providing comprehensive and engaging content for everyone’s enjoyment.
