Qatar MotoGP Test
W
ith its varying temperatures, humidity and
wind speeds, preseason testing at Qatar's
sparse Losail International Circuit has a habit of
throwing up a surprise or two. But as the com-
mencing of the 2020 MotoGP Championship is
now less than a fortnight away, the final outing of
the preseason gave an early indication of how the
season's early races may play out.
Notably the apparent strengths of Yamaha and
Suzuki were on show, the series' two manufactur-
ers developing their inline-four-cylinder engines to
the point of maximum expression. Ecstar Suzuki's
Alex Rins and Joan Mir were first and second on
day one, while Petronas SRT Yamaha's Fabio
Quartararo topped the field on the second evening.
By the close of day two, the lap charts made for
exciting reading. In terms of pace, barely anything
separated the Suzukis, Quartararo and Monster
Energy Yamaha's Maverick Vinales, who was post-
ing laps consistently in the 1:54 range (last year's
race pace). As early as the season is, this could
be a snapshot of the class' new school that is most
likely to push reigning world champion Marc Mar-
quez in years to come.
Both Yamaha and Suzuki have made small, subtle
steps from 2019. The M1 and GSX-RR turn better
than any other package, while both have made mi-
nor improvements to top speed. Crucially, Michelin's
new rear tire for 2020—boasting more edge grip and
greater durability—is well suited to their needs. Even
With just a week to
go before the start
of the 2020 MotoGP
season, it appears
Marc Marquez and
Honda have a lot of
work to do. PHOTOS:
GOLD & GOOSE
IN
THE
WIND
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