Track record for Pecco Bagnaiawhich closes the first day of free tests on the Andalusian circuit of Jerez de la Frontera with the best time: after a morning of studying, the world champion Ducati rider accelerated in the afternoon and put a Viñales still brilliant and second, riding the Aprilia. He also goes up to the virtual podium Marc Marquez, who perhaps had the potential to stay ahead of everyone but messed up a bit at the time-attack moment. The best three are narrow by less than a tenth and a half. It’s a pleasure to see again Bezzecchi: the Pertamina Vr46 team driver precedes Martincurrent world championship leader, there are 4 bikes from Borgo Panigale (and with the one from Noale it’s a very Italian poker) in the top 5.
Bastianini also in Q2, Marini very far away
Then it’s up to the KTM driven by Acostathen the other GP-RS with Aleix Espargaró. Three other Ducatisti have direct access to Q2: Bastianini it’s 8th, then By Giannantonio And Alex Marquez. The top ten in half a second. Among the others they are instead forced to Q1, the qualifying of the slowest, a Morbidelli very present in the first part of the day, therefore the Ktm’s Binder And Millerplus an infinitive Pedrosa (14th) that the wild card is played. Quartararo with Yamaha he did not do better than 20th fastest, preceded by his teammate Rins (15°). Marini he continues to struggle with the Honda and is second to last, 24th, almost 2 seconds behind the best.
Bagnaia, the smile returns: «Confidence rediscovered»
Bagnaia, you again: «We focused on what wasn’t working in the last few races: we looked into a thousand analyses, the team held a lot of meetings and together we planned the practice day as a test. It worked”. This morning some problems with the clutch, which were then fixed. «We put a lot of things right in the final three laps, I ran the last one with a used tyre: I missed this feeling, I’m happy. We’re in good shape on pace. I’m not saying it will be easy now, but we can fight with a little more confidence. I think we will use the soft tire for the sprint race, we’ll see for Sunday’s GP.” He smiles: «Number 1 must always be taken into consideration».
MotoGP, weekend in Jerez: Bagnaia seeks redemption on the circuit where he won twice
by Massimo Calandri
April 26, 2024
Vinales and Aprilia: «We continue to progress»
Maverick Vinales is more than satisfied: «We are doing very well, it is a particular, difficult track, everyone here has tested and should have the ideal set-up: it is a good level test and we are there. Compared to last year we have made enormous progress, I am very happy with the race pace and the flying lap: but there is still something to improve.”
«Back in front»: Marquez’s smile
«In the fourth part of the sector I still have to do better, I can’t be consistent to make a difference. The most important things – said a beaming Marc Marquez – came well, immediately and easily. I was very fast, qualifying tomorrow morning will be the most important thing. I’m happy, I feel better than in previous races, I did the lap alone and I’m very confident. Every day I feel more confident: I hadn’t been in front for 4 years.”
