MotoGP Test Jerez, update at 12:30 p.m.: Maverick Viñales in the lead but losing oil…

A track open to all MotoGP riders from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m., a record of 1'36.584 achieved by Maverick Viñales last season, a best time of 1'36.755 achieved by Fabio Quartararo this year, mild weather, these are the main ingredients of this official MotoGP test on the Jerez – Ángel Nieto circuit.

As soon as the track opens, there are half a dozen of them determined to make the most of the time available, starting with those who are not completely satisfied with their race yesterday, Alex Rins et Maverick Vinales on your mind. Among the ranks of early risers, there are also Pol Espargaró, Miguel Oliveira, Álex Márquez and Tito Rabat, before Brad Binder, Johann Zarco, Danilo Petrucci, Iker Lecuona, Lorenzo Savadori and Luca Marini join them.

At the end of the first hour, when Joan Mir et Aleix I will espargaro set off on the track, two of them have crossed the 1'38 mark, Maverick Vinales et Brad Binder, the pilot Yamaha registering 1'37.717 at the top of the provisional ranking, after another slightly disappointing Grand Prix yesterday.

Ranked 7th with a pace far removed from that initially demonstrated by fabio quartararo on the same motorcycle, Maverick Vinales explains his performance as follows: “ Our pace was pretty good, but everyone was going very fast, and it was very close in terms of times, so if you don't start at the front, it's a tough race. If we had started from the front, the race would have been different. But we had a problem in the slower corners, and that's something we need to work on. On the rest of the track the bike was fantastic, but I had to brake very early to turn, and I was losing too much in that area. I think if we solve this problem the bike will be fantastic, so overall we are at a good level. »

We can therefore assume that “Top Gun” is working on this problem this morning, less than a second from its best time achieved in qualifying (1'37.070).

At least when he can, since Maverick Vinales is stopped in the third sector of the circuit whileAleix I will espargaro fell at turn #6 on his exit lap, fortunately without seriousness. Already the author of five falls during a session this year, a record shared with Álex Márquez, the Aprilia rider, who once again had a very good race yesterday finishing in 6th position, speaks this morning aboutoil on the track… Coming from the Yamaha M1 of Maverick Viñales.

The session is therefore stopped for a few minutes to check the condition of the track, even if the trajectory is not dirty.

Yesterday, the Noale pilot declared: “ I am satisfied with the solidity we are showing. I managed the race well, with a good start and maintaining my position in the first moments. The pace was extremely high. I didn't have much grip, so I had to change my riding style a bit, lifting the bike and not fully exploiting the RS-GP's extraordinary cornering capabilities. I was in the leading group until Fabio overtook. It took me a little longer than expected and it cost me a few seconds which turned out to be decisive. I also had some issues with my right forearm towards the end. This will have to be controlled and managed in the best possible way. »

Ranking at 11:00 p.m.:

The resumption of the session sees the arrival of Francesco Bagnaia, author of a very good race yesterday, while Joan Mir places his Suzuki in front of that of his teammate, in 1'38.093 in his 4th flying lap.

A few minutes later, a little before 11:30 a.m., Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi enter the ball, which reduces the number of drivers with their boxes closed to four: Fabio Quartararo, Marc Marquez, Takaaki Nakagami and Stefan Bradl.

Obviously, we know the Frenchman's problem and we would understand very well that there is no point in taking the slightest risk by riding with a weakened arm on a circuit where he has dominated. In short, we do not expect to see Fabio Quartararo ride today.

Conversely, Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli together go below the 1'38 mark, also join a club for four drivers.

Mounted on the 3rd step of the podium of the Spanish Grand Prix, Franco Morbidelli was very moved after having given everything to make this return to the forefront following an incomprehensibly difficult start to the year: “ It was an incredible race and I was able to push really hard throughout the race. This morning my team leader Ramon [Forcada] managed to work some magic to increase our grip and improve my feeling on the bike. The whole team did a fantastic job this weekend and it meant I was able to ride really hard and aggressively. I'm really happy with this result and to have been able to reward the team with this podium. It's wonderful to come back here, especially since the championship is much more difficult this year: it is very competitive. I'm enjoying this moment a lot and I hope it continues in the next races. »

A little before noon, we officially learned that Fabio Quartararo will not ride.

Ranking at 12:00 p.m.:

At a quarter past twelve, while Johann zarco et Miguel Oliveira rise to the forefront, Marc Márquez makes his debut on the track.

Ranking at 12:30 p.m.:

Credit rankings: MotoGP.com