1'58.830... This is the new benchmark for a Sepang track which saw its new record established by a MotoGP signed on the morning of the third day of the first tests of the year. A performance established by a Ducati with a Jorge Lorenzo above. A couple who hardly impressed in 2017, the year of their formation, but who seem to want to make the 2018 vintage one of confirmation. What do direct opponents think? Some believe in it, others less…
The time of Lorenzo is so good that it undoubtedly reveals a Por Fuera and a Desmosedici in progress. Even if the track conditions were ideal to challenge the hourglass with the right tires while the competition was busy elsewhere, driving that fast already shows that we have the ability to do it. An observation made by the five-time winner: “ it was a good ride, we can't say otherwise. We were able to achieve this time because we have a good bike and that is what matters most. I feel better. This bike suits my riding style better, allowing me to take better advantage of my strengths. I never doubted Ducati ».
So, Lorenzo the return ? The impact of this new record struck a chord with Yamaha officials: “ Jorge had an incredible time and I think he will be very competitive this year " commented Valentino Rossi. In echo, Maverick Vinales replied : " it was an incredible ride and on top of that, it seems pretty consistent. To see on the Buriram circuit, but you will have to be wary of the Ducatis, including in Qatar ».
Others were more measured and were much less impressed. So Marc Márquez : " we know that both Jorge and Ducati are strong at Sepang. Actually, a lot of drivers are good here. It's the same thing every year. But really, what matters is being ready for the Qatar Grand Prix and the rest of the races on the calendar. The main thing is the racing pace you are able to achieve. ».
Let's end with the one who is closest to the hero of the last day of the off-season in Malaysia, the vice-world champion Andrea Dovizioso... " The Ducati best bike of the moment? Jorge always exaggerates in his comments. It will certainly be more competitive than it was last year, but there is still a lot to do. He had a good day and he tried to make a time at all costs. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground and see where we are on other circuits. Right now we're all pretty much on the same level. ».
At the very least, this record will at least have done good for the morale of the Majorcan...
MotoGP #SepangTest: Cumulative times
1. Jorge Lorenzo, Ducati, 1:58,830 min
2. Dani Pedrosa, Honda, + 0,179 sec
3. Cal Crutchlow, Honda, +0,222
4. Andrea Dovizioso, Ducati, +0,339
5. Jack Miller, Ducati, +0,516
6. Alex Rins, Suzuki, +0,518
7. Maverick Vinales, Yamaha, +0,525
8. Marc Marquez, Honda, +0,552
9. Valentino Rossi, Yamaha, +0,560
10. Johann Zarco, Yamaha, +0,681
11. Danilo Petrucci, Ducati, +0,698
12. Tito Rabat, Ducati, +0,717
13. Andrea Iannone, Suzuki, +0,785
14. Aleix Espargaró, Aprilia, + 1,095
15. Takaaki Nakagami, Honda, +1,241
16. Álvaro Bautista, Ducati, +1,375
17. Pol Espargaro, KTM, +1,432
18. Mika Kallio, KTM, +1,634
19. Bradley Smith, KTM, +1,690
20. Franco Morbidelli, Honda, +1,696
21. Karel Abraham, Ducati, + 1,744
22. Xavier Siméon, Ducati, + 1,954
23. Scott Redding, Aprilia, +1,982
24. Sylvain Guintoli, Suzuki, + 2,290
25. Tom Lüthi, Honda, + 2,296
26. Yonny Hernandez, Yamaha, +2,393
27. Michele Pirro, Ducati, +5,937
