By monopolizing the top of the combined rankings during the three MotoGP tests at Sepang, the Mooney VR46 Racing Team riders performed brilliantly in Malaysia, but in the end, it was Luca marini who wins by coming within a tenth of a second of the official circuit record established by Jorge Martín last year in 1.
13th in 1'59.469 on the first day, 0,999 seconds behind his teammate Marco Bezzecchi, Luca marini explained this modest recovery after his best time during the Valencia tests by a laborious day on a Ducati GP22 that he knew by heart but which received a few small developments.
« A good first day of testing: I immediately found the feeling in Valencia and I was fast. We don't have much to try here and we preferred to concentrate all the work on today. Tomorrow and Sunday, there will be a way to take care of race simulations and Sprint races. Last year I almost didn't get to race here, I gave up immediately after the start and I have to make the most of this test to understand the degradation of the rear tire. I also did some testing on the electronics and a new throttle control which I am very happy with. Since I've been in MotoGP, I still haven't found a device that's comfortable for me, although I really like this one. The level is very high, since we have already run under 1.59 today and there are more than 15 drivers, all competitive. »
The next day, during a day severely disrupted by rain, the brother of Valentino Rossi took advantage of the moments in the dry to raise the bar and move to 7th place in 1'59.118.
« A day conditioned by the weather: We had planned to test equipment to improve performance, but there was not enough time in the dry. The feeling is still good and the pace too, especially in the wet. I'm happy, even if we couldn't make the most of this day. I'm hoping for better weather so I can use all the tires we have and improve the lap time. With the rain, we removed all the rubber from the asphalt and tomorrow, if the weather is nice, the conditions will be more realistic compared to a race weekend. »
On Sunday, the Urbino driver managed to align the planets, making a leap forward which propelled him to the lead, in 1'57.889.
After 154 laps of 5,543 km of the Sepang International Circuit,
Luca marini leaves Malaysia as he left the Valencia test, as leader!
« A good start and a fantastic test: We followed the program and completed it completely. We made some good steps forward in terms of engine braking, traction and front feeling. If I had to describe it, but not just for the lap time, the test is perfect! I also kept a good pace for the sprint race, in a small 59, and I also tried a few overtaking simulations. We needed to better understand how to manage this type of distance, as it will be a demanding race. During the ten laps, you don't have to think too much about tire management or tactics: it's all about giving it your all in every corner! Due to the high level of competition, a large group of perhaps eight to ten drivers will form and race against each other. Maybe even riders on the weakest bikes can be ahead with soft tires. The ranking surprised me, there are 20 riders with 1 second difference. The level is very high, everyone can win, but the important thing is to stay at this level. »
Paul Grandson : " I am very satisfied with this test: We worked hard and we were fast in all conditions. The whole team and Ducati supported Luca and Marco in the best possible way. Luca, in particular, immediately regained the sensations of Valencia and finished in a crescendo with the best absolute time. He took a step forward in terms of settings, tried new solutions and took advantage of the three days to attempt a race simulation. Marco also did very well, he was the strongest on Friday, and able to further improve on his best time today. Let's go home, let's concentrate fully on these three weeks and then face the test and the race in Portugal. We are very excited! »
What will happen at the next meeting, in three weeks in Portimão for the last MotoGP test before the first race, also in Portugal, on March 26?
Ranking of MotoGP Test results at Sepang J3:
Combined ranking of the MotoGP Test at Sepang J1/J2/J3:
Credit rankings: MotoGP.com
