Valentino Rossi is a happy fourth on the starting grid for a Qatar Grand Prix which opened the season with fanfare, with already two records. That of the lap time which reached the 1'52 zone for the first time, and that of the top speed of around 362,4 km/h. Something to get excited about but also something to ask questions about. And that's what the Doctor does while watching this performance by Johann Zarco on a Ducati GP21.
The MotoGP today can drive at more than 362 km/h cutting edge. Electronics and aerodynamics help the engine which, however, is legally fixed. But here we are: Johann zarco broke the MotoGP category top speed record on the Pramac-Ducati in FP4. On the 1 m long start-finish straight of the Losail international circuit, the Frenchman achieved an impressive 362,4 km / h. The 30-year-old Frenchman destroyed the old brand ofAndrea Dovizioso, which was flashed at 356,7 km / h at Mugello in 2019. The fact that zarco then clearly missed the braking point became a minor issue.
Rossi: “this speed is also dangerous”
« Zarco and Ducati combination breaks speed records this year ", said Valentino Rossi, which reached a maximum of 348,3 km/h Saturday in Qatar. “ The Ducati is impressive and Zarco is very good at getting behind the fairing. It is small and always in an aerodynamic position. If they break the record here in Qatar, then they can be even faster in Mugello » predicted the Petronas Yamaha rider.
He adds : " Is this speed dangerous? For me it's already very dangerous from 330 km/h », admitted the nine-time world champion with a smile. “ 330 and 360 km/h are incredible numbers. I think all fans who are happy with numbers like this because it's just impressive. But of course, this speed is also dangerous », summarized the 42-year-old pilot.
MotoGP Qatar 1 J2: times
Credit rankings: MotoGP.com
