Cycle News

Cycle News 2019 Issue 48 December 3

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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But Vinales had done 68 laps on the first day, in be- tween drizzly patches, and Marquez 69. On the second day, Vinales did only 15, and Marquez 14. With the rain worsening through the after- noon, the session was red flagged early, by when most a second off Marquez, but with 33 laps to his credit. Only 10 of those were in the dry, but one focus was working with his new ex-Moto2 crew chief, David Munoz. Conditions meant frustration for those with urgent work on prototype chassis and en- VOLUME 56 ISSUE 48 DECEMBER 3, 2019 P25 (Left) Maverick Vinales heads a hurting Marc Marquez. It's now time for a well-earned rest for MotoGP. (Below) Bradley Smith had plenty of work to do and leads Franco Morbidelli. Fabio Quartararo rounded out the year in fourth at Jerez. of the teams were already packed up and ready to leave. Some riders had completed only a handful of laps. The workload on day two fell on Aprilia test rider Bradley Smith, busiest of all with 43 laps; then the rookies. Repsol Honda's Alex Marquez essayed 36, Red Bull KTM rookies Brad Binder clocking up 35, getting wet time on their new bikes. All three were at the bottom end of the time sheets. Valentino Rossi was also hard at work, placing 10th, half gines, which meant everyone except Aprilia, and likewise for Michelin, who had hoped for more time to test new 2020 fronts, as well as a new front compound (for factory teams only) of a 2021 prototype. Yamaha riders were testing new chassis and engine up- grades, offering improvement in the top speed deficit but, according to both Monster En- ergy factory riders, not enough. Petronas riders Quartararo and Morbidelli also tried the latest engine. The outward difference

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