MotoGP – Johann Zarco flies at the IRTA test in Jerez

Bruno Gomes

May 8, 2018

Johann Zarco is on top form this season, and even during the test session he makes sure to be the fastest rider on track!

Just 24 hours after Marc Marquez victory at last Sunday race, the MotoGP riders were back on track at the Andalusian racetrack for a full day of official test. Many of the teams took the opportunity to test new aerodynamic solutions, but the star of the day was Frenchman Johann Zarco.

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider was untouchable during the test day, stopping the clock very close to the track record set by Cal Crutchlow during Qualifying 2. Zarco clocked in a best lap of 1m37.730s against 1m37.653s of Crutchlow record lap, and he did it while trying new settings for his home race in two weeks at Le Mans.

Second best at the test was precisely Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) who tried different settings on his bike to try and prevent the grip problems he suffered during the Jerez race, problems that made the front tyre overheat and eventually were the cause of his crash.

Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda), who was still recovering from the bruises he suffered in the incident with Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo on Sunday, was third fastest although he said after the test finished that he was still in pain.

Marc Marquez tried a new front cowl with different winglets

As for race winner Marc Marquez, he tried some different aerodynamic solutions on his Honda RC213V, specifically a front end with what looks like a mustache. Marquez was fifth fastest on track, and he also worked a lot on the electronic with HRC, preparing the Le Mans race.

The Movistar Yamaha duo of Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi continue to struggle this season, and they tried in this official IRTA test many different solutions. Aerodynamic was just a part of the problem, but the main focus on the Yamaha team is the electronic, with both riders asking Yamaha to find a way to eliminate the grip problems they have.

Maverick Viñales was fourth and Valentino Rossi a distant 10th fastest, almost a second off Johann Zarco pace.

Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi focused on the electronic package of the Movistar Yamaha prototype

The Red Bull KTM Factory team was also on track with Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaró. The two “orange” riders tested the 2019 KTM RC16 prototype which was used by Mika Kallio on Sunday’s race, and both improved on their best times, leaving Jerez with positive feelings.

One final note to the absence of the Ducati Factory, Ecstar Suzuki and Gresini Aprilia teams.