PHILLIP ISLAND
P56
MOTOGP TEST REPORT
came on day two; and the young
former Moto3 champion was
second to Marquez's Repsol
Honda on day three: a strong
performance in the Ecstar Su-
zuki GSX-RR's second season.
It was set on the 2016 chassis,
with Vinales praising the turn-
ing, as well as the improved
electronics. But he admitted that
the track suits not only the bike
but also his style: last year he
finished a strong sixth, equaling
his best so far set at Catalunya.
There was encouragement
drosa, as well as (though less
unusually) Marc Marquez and
both Suzuki riders, and Aleix
Espargaro also twice.
Most of them took place on
the third day, with riders trying to
make the most of a dry window
in still-threatening conditions.
The rain showers at least did
give riders a chance to test
Michelin's new intermediate tires
(never on offer from Bridges-
tone); although only a handful
took advantage of it.
Vinales's best-of-test time
Times were close – with the
top 16 riders within a second
of Vinales's 1:29.131. Marquez
was second with 1:29.158. Last
year, he qualified on pole with
1:28.364; Vinales's test time
would have put him ninth on the
2015 grid, three places down on
his actual position.
Crash victims ranged from the
new guys – Tito Rabat twice in
a day, and Estrella VDS Honda
teammate Jack Miller (back from
injury) to big names, including
Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pe-
(Left) Marquez
"turned a
corner" with
the electronics
at Phillip
Island and
finished up
second overall
and fastest
on the final
day. (Below)
Crutchlow was
consistent
across the
three days,
finishing third
overall.
PETRUCCI LED THE SHEETS AFTER THE RAIN-TROUBLED
FIRST DAY, BUT CRASHED HEAVILY TOWARDS THE END
OF THE FINAL DAY AT THE FAST HAYSHED CORNER,
BREAKING THREE BONES IN HIS RIGHT HAND.
