De Diana Tamantini / Corsedimoto.com
After the private tests during this winter period in Valencia and Jerez, Portimao hosts the only official IRTA tests. Today, following the momentum of the tests in Jerez, it was Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda, Leopard Racing) who set the best time in Moto3, on a sunny but rather windy day, with Izan Guevara (GASGAS Aspar Team) and the rookie David Muñoz (KTM, BOE SKX) immediately following in the combined standings of day-1. Just a taste of what awaits us, given that there are still two days of testing left and the drivers have to manage the tires at their disposal (6 front, 6 rear), but we are starting to get a first idea values on the track after these three 70-minute sessions on the asphalt of the Algarve.
Session 1
We remember the reference times: record for the best lap in the race in 1'47.610 (gabriel rodrigo, 2021) and absolute record in 1'47.274 (Sergio García, 2021). Shortly after 11 a.m. (10 a.m. local time), the time of 2'00.835 is the first reference in the Moto3 category signed by Deniz Öncü (KTM, Red Bull KTM Tech3). In fact, it is the driver who officially kicks off these three days of testing in Portimao, since he is the first to take action on the Portuguese track. But clearly, this is only the beginning, since a few minutes later Lorenzo Fellon (Honda, SIC58 Squadra Corse), Alberto Surra (Honda, Rivacold Snipers Team), Rossi () and David Muñoz and everyone else follows. In the end, with times still quite high, the duo of the GASGAS Aspar Team stands out, Sergio García at the top followed by Izan Guevara, while the third is the standard bearer of the SIC58 Squadra Corse, Lorenzo Fellon.
Session 2
The timing references are significantly lower than those of the previous session, even if they are still far from the GP times. But there is a surprise, namely the Brazilian rookie Diogo Moreira (KTM, MT Helmets – MSI) which establishes the reference time in this second clash, with Deniz Oncu et Izan Guevara that follow. Note that, during the session, the latter also had to stop at turn 10 due to mechanical problems on his bike. In the balance sheet also, a fall for Matteo Bertelle (KTM, QJMotor Avintia Racing Team), on the ground at turn #3 without consequence.
Session 3
The initial fall of Jaume Masia (KTM, Red Bull KTM Ajo) at turn #13 had no particular consequences, as the latter was quickly back in action. Indeed, he has long been the protagonist of the session with the reference time, before what we can define as the “end of day assault”, a few minutes from the checkered flag. This then was a constant change in the rankings, at least until the rankings stabilized with Izan Guevara preceding the rookie David Muñoz et Deniz Oncu. The final packaging is, however, to be credited to Tatsuki suzuki, which leads the first day to Portimao on his momentum from Jerez, in front of the Spanish duo. Absent Dennis Foggia (Honda, Leopard Racing), stopped by gastroenteritis ( dixit Motosprint ).
Combined ranking:
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