WIND
IN THE
P50
11th, 1.05 seconds back of Alex
Marquez's best.
Neither Martin nor Bezzecchi
(13th) were allowed to speak
to the media at the close of the
day. But new Technical Director
Fabiano Sterlacchini was instant
-
ly impressed by the factory's new
signing. "In this short time, we've
worked together, he's a mixture
of a champion and a leader. To
be honest, it's quite astonishing
the way he's approaching the job.
It's really good."
After a season of near unpar
-
alleled success, Ducati could be
forgiven for resting on its laurels.
But both Bagnaia and Marquez
had the first version of the GP25
to try. "The feeling was super
good, especially with the team,"
said Marquez, decked out in a
special all-red color scheme for
the day. "The engine's a bit better
on the straight. Then it looks like
the character of going in on the
corner is a bit different."
Bagnaia, who had required a
six-mile walk on the Monday be
-
fore the test to digest the fact he
lost the number-one plate, was
similarly impressed. "In terms of
handling, the GP24 is still better
in braking. But the GP25 has very
good stability in fast corners,
and I like it with used tires. Also,
the new engine is very strong."
They were ominous words that
suggest the pick of the grid won't
be standing still over the coming
months.
The surprise of the day was
Quartararo's second fastest
time. The Frenchman tried a
new engine, chassis, fairing and
swingarm. "We improved a little
bit with the new chassis in some
areas, but on traction, we didn't,"
he said. "The area where we go
from straight to full lean angle,
we go a bit quicker." Yet there
was a boost from seeing his
name at the top of the standings.
"It's only test, but I forgot [what
that's like]," he quipped. "Normal
-
ly [I see my name] when we turn
the page [upside down]."
Yamaha had the rare joy of
calling upon the feedback of four
riders, rather than two, as Miguel
Oliveira and Jack Miller made
their debut appearances for
Pramac Yamaha. "It was a bike
that straightaway is very rider
friendly," said the Portuguese
rider. "It gives you good feedback
Marc Marquez found
a good pace on the
factory Ducati.
