MotoGP Race Lap Record: Jorge Lorenzo, 1:38.735, 2015

MotoGP All Time Lap Record: Cal Crutchlow, 1:37.653, 2018

2019 FIM MotoGP World Championship

Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

May 3, 2019

Free Practice Two Results (all on Michelin tires):

1. Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.909

2. Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Ducati), 1:38.006

3. Cal Crutchlow, UK (Honda), 1:38.104

4. Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.147

5. Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:38.241

6. Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:38.370

7. Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), 1:38.373

8. Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:38.414

9. Jorge Lorenzo, Spain (Honda), 1:38.445

10. Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:38.593

11. Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:38.606

12. Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:38.635

13. Andrea Iannone, Italy (Aprilia), 1:38.676

14. Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:38.681

15. Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:38.721

16. Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:38.747

17. Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:38.789

18. Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:38.900

19. Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 1:39.110

20. Johann Zarco, France (KTM), 1:39.366, crash

21. Karel Abraham, Czech Republic (Ducati), 1:39.532, crash

22. Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:39.774

23. Bradley Smith, UK (Aprilia), 1:39.904, crash

24. Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (KTM), 1:40.894, crash

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:

Tough opening for Red Bull KTM Tech3 duo in Jerez

Red Bull KTM Tech3’s MotoGP rookie Miguel Oliveira kicked off the fourth round of the 2019 World Championship, the Gran Premio Red Bull de España with some improvements throughout the day. Following an uphill morning session, the Portuguese rider lowered his lap time by 0.539 seconds this afternoon and started to get a better feeling at the Andalusian track.

On the other side of the Red Bull KTM Tech3 garage, Hafizh Syahrin started the weekend fighting with sickness but was able to lower his lap time by 0.199 seconds from FP1 to FP2, although his second session was unfortunately cut short due to a crash after just the third timed lap. Luckily the Malaysian escaped with a head contusion and will be able to ride again from Free Practice 3 tomorrow at 9.55 local time.

Miguel Oliveira

Position: 23rd

Time: 1:39.774

Laps: 39

“To be honest, today has not been the best Friday for us, but during the seconds Free Practice we found a much better feeling with the bike and I could go faster. This was positive. Unfortunately, at the end of my fastest lap it was red flagged, so it was cancelled, but at least we know, we are a bit faster. We have some ideas to try tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to increase my pace a bit.”

Hafizh Syahrin

Position: 24th

Time: 1:40.894

Laps: 21

“It was an unlucky day for me. I had a good feeling with the bike setup in FP2. In the morning, I didn’t feel really well regarding the condition of my body, but I tried to give my best in order to be ready 100 percent for the race day. This afternoon, I had a truly good feeling, but suddenly after just a few laps I went down and I couldn’t continue, because I had to stay in the medical center with a bit of headache. But tomorrow I try to come back stronger and try to be there fully for the rest of the weekend.”

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Gresini Racing:

LOTS OF WORK AND STEPS FORWARD FOR ESPARGARÓ AND IANNONE

BOTH FACTORY APRILIA BIKES IMPROVE IN THE HUNT FOR A TOP-TEN SPOT

SMITH INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITHOUT SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Andrea Iannone and Aleix Espargaró took advantage of the outstanding conditions on the Jerez de la Frontera track to advance development on the Aprilia RS-GP. Both were able to improve their performance between FP1 and FP2, respectively just 767 and 812 thousandths of a second behind the top time.

Iannone used the first day of practice to compare two bikes with a slightly different configuration, finding a good feeling in the latter part of the day and, more importantly, identifying a promising base for his setup. There was a lot of work on Aleix’s side of the garage as well, with the rider busy doing a series of tests on the frame and electronics. Both riders (Andrea in the two sessions, Aleix in FP1) also tried out a new aerodynamic solution on the lower part of the bike.

In his second wild card of the season, Bradley Smith’s weekend is off to a solid start. An unfortunate crash toward the end of FP2 left the English rider a bit sore, but from initial checks, it shouldn’t compromise the rest of his race weekend.

ALEIX ESPARGARO’

“I managed to maintain a good pace, doing competitive lap times, but we know that we need to work hard to be consistent over the long distance. On this first day, we tested different solutions on various fronts: frame, electronics and aerodynamics, even putting the deflector on the rear swingarm in the morning session. In the afternoon I lapped without it to give our technicians a chance to compare the data. The temperatures changed a lot during the day, so it will be important to work well in anticipation of the race tomorrow. Even in FP2, with high temperatures, grip on the track was good, thanks to the new asphalt.”

ANDREA IANNONE

“We’re working well. Today I compared the two bikes, which are set up differently, clarifying our ideas on a few aspects. We need to find the right compromise, but I found a better feeling than I expected to. Right now, it seems like we can do more, especially in braking. We need to slow the bike down better. It would be presumptuous to think we can close the gap in one day, so I prefer working on consistent improvements and I think that on this track, we can take a step forward.”

BRADLEY SMITH

“Unfortunately, I hit some debris that was left on the track after Abraham’s crash and that made me lose control of the bike. I was thrown by a high side and I fell right in the middle of the track. Fortunately, the other riders avoided me and nothing is broken, although both my ankles are sore. It’s a pity. I was doing a good lap. In any case, I’m pleased with the work done today. We are moving in the right direction and I think we’ll be able to keep going the same way tomorrow.”

More, from a press release issued by Mission Winnow Ducati:

Positive start for the Mission Winnow Ducati team at Jerez: Petrucci 1st and Dovizioso 3rd in Friday’s free practice

The Mission Winnow Ducati team resumed action today at Jerez (Spain), home of the fourth round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship. In Friday’s free-practice sessions, characterized by clear skies and high temperatures (with about 25 degrees in the air and 45 degrees on the tarmac), Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Dovizioso enjoyed a positive start to their weekend as they began to work on the setup of the Desmosedici GP 19 ahead of Sunday’s race, posting the first and third time respectively in the combined rankings.

Eighth in the morning but already showing a promising pace, Petrucci took about six tenths of a second off his best time during FP2, where he was the only rider capable of lapping below the 1:38 mark, posting the fastest time of the day with a 1:37.909. After finishing FP1 only two tenths of a second behind the provisional best time, Dovizioso then further improved his lap times in the afternoon session to finish only 97 thousandths of a second behind his teammate with a personal best of 1:38.006, which granted him third position in the combined rankings.

Danilo Petrucci (#9 Mission Winnow Ducati) – 1st (1:37.909)

“I’m happy with how this first day of practice went. I didn’t do a perfect lap, but it was enough to finish on top, and I was quite competitive especially in terms of pace. We made very few changes on the bike, finding a good rhythm also with the hard rear tyre, but FP4 tomorrow will be crucial to finalize the choice of the compounds for the race. Qualifying has been my weak point so far this year, so we’ll keep our guard up. I think tomorrow morning the lap times will drop further, but in the meantime we started off on the right foot. Our goal is to qualify on the first couple of rows on the grid, then to challenge for the podium on Sunday.”

Andrea Dovizioso (#04 Mission Winnow Ducati) – 3rd (1:38.006)

“It’s been a positive opening day, especially in terms of the pace we managed to keep with used tyres and high temperatures, not simply in terms of our overall position. We managed to improve the feeling with the bike as the day went on, and we’re among the frontrunners in terms of rhythm, but I still think Márquez has a small advantage. The standings may not show the whole picture, and anyway track conditions are supposed to further improve in FP3, so we’ll need to keep pushing to gain direct access to Q2 because I expect very narrow gaps. We have some room for improvement in the long, fast corners, where the wind also comes into play, and we’re still trying to find the limit with the new tarmac, as grip levels may change come race time. We need to stay focused.”

The Mission Winnow Ducati team will resume action tomorrow for the third free-practice session with qualifying scheduled, after FP4, at 14:10 local time (CET).

More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

Marquez and Lorenzo immediately fast in Jerez

Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo well inside the top ten after a strong opening day on home soil.

Strong sun throughout Friday practice at the Spanish GP highlighted the new Jerez tarmac as the Repsol Honda Team made the most of every moment on the familiar track.

Only challenged for the top spot in Free Practice 1 by his teammate, reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez continued his form into FP2. Remaining fast, Marquez ultimately ended Free Practice 2 in fourth with a 1’38.147 – less than a third of a second splitting the top four. Marquez’s morning time has him second on the combined times, 0.012s behind Petrucci and one of only two riders to set a 1’37.

Jorge Lorenzo experienced his strongest Friday as a Repsol Honda Team rider, finishing FP1 in second. Working on the setting of his Honda RC213V, a red flag late session left Lorenzo with less than three minutes to set a fast lap. A 1’38.445 on his final run moved Lorenzo to ninth in FP2. Thanks to his FP1 time of 1’38.045, Lorenzo concludes the opening day of practice fourth overall.

The two Repsol Honda Team riders led the Honda charge on the combined time sheets, Honda riders filling five of the top nine spots.

Free Practice 3 at 09:55 tomorrow, Saturday May 04, will host the second and final battle for direct passage to Q2.

Marc Marquez

2ND 1’37.921

“Basically today was a normal Friday, trying to be consistent and working mostly for the race and on our overall pace. I feel good from the beginning and we kept improving. I’m happy but of course we have to keep working, we’ve started well. The new tarmac has great grip. When we came here with the old tarmac there was one setup and now it’s another setup. We started with a good pace so are trying some things and we don’t have the same problems we had in Austin which is helping me to ride constant and exactly like I want. There are many riders who are quick so we have to be careful!”

Jorge Lorenzo

4TH 1’38.045

“This morning we were very strong and I was able to ride how I want and show the potential we have. I was very comfortable and able to make consistent lap times quite easily. In the afternoon we tried a setting on the other bike which wasn’t in the correct direction so we weren’t able to be as fast and it was hotter, which did not help. But we have been able to make good progress already at a track which I like and we are ready for tomorrow.”

More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Idemitsu:

NAKAGAMI ON THE PACE AGAIN IN JEREZ

LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider Takaaki Nakagami once again impressed as the MotoGP class returned to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for the fourth round of the World Championship. The Japanese star went fastest at the Spanish venue in the winter test last November and was back amongst the pacesetters as free practice got underway on Friday.

Although it has been largely resurfaced since the winter test, Nakagami immediately demonstrated his prowess on the layout with the fourth quickest lap in FP1 – behind only Repsol Honda duo Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo and Maverick Vinales. He followed it with eighth place in FP2, but finished a satisfying first day in seventh position overall in the combined times.

Takaaki Nakagami – 7th

(1’38.134 – lap 21 of 21)

“The winter test was good, as you know, but the track looks like it’s about 80% new tarmac in new condition, so you never know if the settings will be as good from the winter test and we have four different tyres for the front and the rear. Today was a busy day as we had to check our set-up; we chose the bike from the winter test and it worked well, the lap time was good and the feeling was much better than the other bike. The setting looks okay and the pace with the soft front tyre and hard rear is what we want. So overall I’m pretty happy with the first day.”

More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Castrol:

CRUTCHLOW FIFTH AFTER DAY ONE IN JEREZ

Cal Crutchlow showed his mettle in FP2 to ensure he was well placed after the opening day of free practice for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. The LCR Honda CASTROL rider has been amongst the quickest riders throughout the opening three rounds of the 2019 season and was on the pace again as he took fifth place in the overall standings on Friday.

Crutchlow who took pole position at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto last year – took a little time to adapt to the newly-resurfaced track as he was 11th in FP1. But his undoubted speed was on display in FP2 as he finished as the top Honda rider, claiming third spot behind Ducati duo Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Dovizioso. That left him fifth overall and in confident mood ahead of Saturday’s qualifying.

Cal Crutchlow – 5th

(1’38.104 – lap 16 of 20)

“The track seemed quite greasy in the afternoon, we know the lap times here are always good in the morning. This afternoon was hot and really windy, but it was a positive session considering I didn’t feel very good at all. I had a few problems with my feeling with the bike, we’ll have to look at it tonight as the bike was not working very well on the bumps. Although it’s been resurfaced, it’s really bumpy out there and really easy to make mistakes and, if the bike is not up to it, you can lose a lot of time. So we’ll look at that and try to be more consistent tomorrow. Pole will be difficult, but we just need to make sure we’re in (Q1) tomorrow morning.”

More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:

RINS AND MIR WARMING UP ON DAY 1 IN JEREZ

Alex Rins: 12th – 1:38.534 (+ 0.838)

Joan Mir: 18th – 1:38.789 (+ 0.880)

• Alex Rins trying tyre and set-up options.

•Joan Mir suffers small crash but feels confident.

•Team taking usual steady approach to proceedings.

The first day of action in Jerez saw incredibly close times, with the top 19 riders covered by less than one second. The Andalusian circuit is notoriously demanding on bikes and finding a balanced set-up is more crucial than ever, especially as the circuit has been newly resurfaced.

Alex Rins felt strong in the morning’s FP1 session and was able to place himself into the Top 10 before the chequered flag came out, just six tenths of a second from the top of the timesheet. In the afternoon the Spaniard tried out a variety of different tyre combinations and felt comfortable on the hard-hard configuration. He ended the day 12th on combined.

Joan Mir spent much of the day hovering around the Top 10 to 15. The rookie focused on perfecting his feeling with the GSX-RR around this technical track, and he felt satisfied. Joan crashed at the very end of the FP2 session, which had previously been red-flagged for other crashes, as he ran on at Turn 1 after he took the chequered flag and ended up in the gravel trap. Luckily he was uninjured. He finished Day 1 with 18th on combined.

Davide Brivio – Team Manager

“It’s been a busy day, trying to test settings as much as possible. We went through different options and collected a lot of information for tomorrow. Alex was checking tyre options, and Joan did a good job today checking settings too. We’re not in the Top 10, but we’ve stuck to our plan for today and we feel that it has been a good and useful Friday.”

Alex Rins

“I’m quite happy with today, we focused on bike set-up. At this GP, Michelin have given all the riders four different tyre compounds, so I’ve been trying different combinations of front and rear. The work has gone well today, and I feel that tomorrow will be a good day.”

Joan Mir

“I’m satisfied with my work today, but we still have more to do in order to put in some fast laps. I’m still looking for some extra grip so I can push harder for a quick lap. I feel that my pace is strong nevertheless, and my settings are generally feeling good. Tomorrow we’ll keep working and hope to qualify well.”

More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP START SEARCH FOR PERFECT SPANISH SET-UP

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team commenced the fourth round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship today at a sunny Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. It was a busy day for Maverick Viñales, who enjoyed two solid free practice sessions and secured 6th place in the combined timesheets. Valentino Rossi focused on his bike‘s set-up in the morning and made further steps in the afternoon, taking 16th position overall.

6th MAVERICK VIÑALES 1’38.112 (FP1) / 17 + 18 LAPS

16th VALENTINO ROSSI 1’38.681 (FP2) / 20 + 20 LAPS

It was a full-on first day at the Gran Premio de España for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi tried a new bottom fender package (referred to as “the spoon”) and took 6th and 16th position respectively overall.

Eager to improve acceleration, Viñales wasted no time to get to work. The Spaniard was excited to see if the new track surface, with improved grip-level, would play to his advantage, and it did. He was in his element and set a best time of 1’38.112s, 0.191s from first, good for third place.

The home rider took some time adjusting his bike’s setting in the afternoon when the sun came out. Once comfortable, he set a 1‘38.556s. Viñales was ready to push some more in his next stint, but then a red flag halted the session. The FP2 was restarted a few minutes later, and in the remaining 2m42s the Yamaha rider improved his FP2 time to a 1‘38.241s, for fifth place, 0.332s from the top. His faster morning time earned him sixth place in the combined FP rankings, 0.203s from first.

Rossi put in the work this morning. He used the entire session to adjust his bike’s settings. Without giving much regard to clocking a hot lap, he finished the 45-minute outing in 18th position with a best lap of 1’39.380s, 1.459s from the front.

The Doctor continued his set-up progress in the afternoon, adapting it to the much higher temperatures. Though he couldn‘t find the right feeling, he put his head down halfway through the session after he had fresh medium tyres fitted under his Yamaha. He immediately moved up nine places to provisional P7 on his first flying lap, but soon proceedings were temporarily stopped due to track conditions. After the restart, he bettered his time to a 1‘38.681s, but didn’t improve his placement, ending FP2 in 14th place. He finished 16th in the combined FP results, 0.772s from first.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

“Today was a first examination for us. In the last two years we scored decent results in the first rounds, but we struggled here in Jerez. This morning we started reasonably well, but the real test came in the afternoon when the temperatures rose drastically. In the hottest conditions, during this afternoon‘s practice session, we faced more difficulties than expected. We haven‘t been able to be consistent with the pace and, apart from Maverick‘s fast lap, also the speed is missing. We tried most of the tyre specifications, both front and rear, which gave us an indication of what does and doesn‘t work for us. The expectations for today were better, but at least the riders have flagged the same issues, so the entire team can now join forces and work on a solution together. We‘re confident that we can prepare a package for FP3. That session will be very important to get into Q2.”

MAVERICK VIÑALES

“It was a pretty good day, but, especially in FP2, I could only do two good laps, so there was no time to get into the rhythm and to get used to the bike. It‘s going to be important for tomorrow to make laps and understand the tyres and what the set-up for the race will be like. We have a few issues, so we need to keep working to try and solve them for tomorrow. The track conditions changed so much from FP1 to FP2, so I‘m not sure what to expect for tomorrow. I think a perfect set-up for FP3 won‘t be good for qualifying, because the temperatures change so much, but we‘re going to do our best.”

VALENTINO ROSSI

“We arrive here in Jerez, where we know we will have to suffer a little, because in the last few years we haven‘t been strong at this track. In fact, it’s like this again. We hope that we can be faster and stronger, but it was a difficult first day. I‘m not very fast and wasn‘t feeling very comfortable with the bike. We tried something in the afternoon, but we didn‘t fix enough. Now we have to check all the data and work hard this evening to try to improve. We don‘t have a particular problem. The bike is like it was in Austin, so it means the marriage between the tyres, the asphalt, and the bike isn‘t fantastic.”

More, from a press release issued by Pramac Racing:

#SpanishGP FP – Positive feelings for Pramac Racing after first day of activity in Jerez de la Frontera

The new asphalt of the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto works great and already at the beginning of FP1 the lap times are close to the track record. Jack Miller starts out strong immediately and finishes P10 in the combined standings. In FP2 Francesco Bagnaia (13th in the combined standings) improved his morning time by more than one second. Great confidence for both Pramac Racing riders in view of tomorrow’s qualifying.

FP1 (Practice condition: dry – Air 20° – Ground 28°)

P7 Jack Miller (1’38.464, +0.543 from P1)

Jack starts very fast and remains in the top positions throughout the session. The Australian rider completes 13 laps using the same tyres (medium).

P21 Pecco Bagnaia (1’39.675, +1.241 from Top 10, +1.754 from P1)

Some problems in braking, especially on the rear, for Pecco who still gets his best time on lap 15 with used tires.

FP2 (Practice condition: dry – Air 25° – Ground 48°)

P10 Pecco Bagnaia (1’38.593, +0.684 from P1)

The feeling with the bike improves lap after lap and with the hard tyres, Bagnaia makes a very interesting time in view of tomorrow’s decisive FP3.

P11 Jack Miller (1’38.606, +0.013 from Top 10, +0.726 from P1)

Jack focuses on race pace and remains on the track (23 laps) more than any other. Even the Australian rider cannot take advantage of the soft tyre due to a mistake in the last sector.

P13 – Pecco Bagnaia

“I wasn’t happy after the FP1 because we couldn’t find a good set-up. Things have been much better in the FP2 as I got on very well with the hard tyre. Unfortunately, the red flag didn’t allow me to make the most of the time attack but I’m still confident.”.

P10 – Jack Miller

“The bike works well and the times are not very indicative. I could have done a lot better on the chrono but I made a small mistake downshifting. Anyway, I’m satisfied because it was a good day also because we went very well in race pace during a good long run.”.

More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC):

Strong start to Spanish GP for ninth place Stefan Bradl

Hot conditions at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto proved useful for Stefan Bradl and the HRC Test Team who join the MotoGP World Championship regulars this weekend as a wildcard. Finishing 15th in FP1 and finally an impressive ninth overall after an impressive performance in Free Practice 2. The German rider and his team head to Saturday pleased with progress made and their overall position.

Stefan Bradl 6

Rider – MotoGP

“It is nice to be back on track with the HRC Test Team and all of the MotoGP riders as well. Today was good, the weather allowed us to work a lot and make some good progress. There will be a lot of laps of Jerez this weekend but we have started well and are very happy with the lap time. Tomorrow we will look to keep this pace up.”

More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team:

Encouraging start for Fabio Quartararo at Jerez

PETRONAS Yamaha SRT rookie finishes eighth on opening day of SpanishGP, with teammate Franco Morbidelli eleventh.

8th FRANCO MORBIDELLI +0.300

11th FABIO QUARTARARO +0.569

Fabio Quartararo made a good start to the SpanishGP on Friday, finishing inside the Top 10 once again, on a hot day at the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit. Franco Morbidelli also kicked off the event in a positive fashion, but will be looking to take a step forward on Saturday, in order to make the cut for Q2.

Both riders experienced the new asphalt at the Andalusian track for the first time in this morning’s session. The PETRONAS Yamaha SRT duo both concluded FP1 inside Top 10, with Quartararo sixth after clocking a 1:38.209 lap and Morbidelli ninth thanks to a 1:38.209.

In FP2, Quartararo focussed on testing all of the available tyre compounds in order to gather essential data from each. With his pace still competitive, the Frenchman began to break into the 1m37s lap times. Just before he could claim his lap, the session was temporarily stopped due to a crash, that brought out the red flag. Nevertheless Quartararo’s best time of 1:38.370 from his previous attempt would keep him on target for entry into Q2 – Finishing sixth in the session and eighth overall.

Using the session to look for the best setup and tyre combination for his Yamaha YZR-M1, Morbidelli struggled to better his pace in FP2, finishing the session in 18th with a time of 1:38.900. Despite just missing out on the provisional cut for Q2 by one tenth of a second, the Italian is confident that he can take the step needed and fight for a top ten position in tomorrow’s qualifying.

The Saturday schedule sees a final practice session in the morning, followed by qualifying at 2:10 pm (Q1) and 2:35 pm (Q2).

#21 Franco Morbidelli

“It took us a little longer to find the perfect setup for good grip level this afternoon. We noticed that when the temperature was higher, it was hard for us to feel comfortable and also go fast. We only used the soft tyre in the morning, so in FP2 we weren’t able to do a great time attack either. We worked hard and tested out the different compounds to try to understand the bike more and to adapt to riding in these hot conditions. In terms of the asphalt, Turn 8 is a bit bumpy, but apart from this small detail, the surface is fine. Looking ahead to tomorrow, in FP3 we will try to take a step forward with our flying lap, get into the Top 10 and claim a spot in Q2.”

#20 Fabio Quartararo

“Today has been very positive. We’ve tried all of the many compounds for the different tyres and I’m very happy because I feel good with each one of them. We have found both a flying lap time and a consistent pace that is quite good. We will continue working on this tomorrow, but the first impressions are positive. The main difference between how we felt at the preseason test here in Jerez and now, is that in November I had only had 15 days experience with the bike. I’m also satisfied with the new asphalt here. We need to think about our strategy for tomorrow, but the most important thing is to get directly into Q2, which I think is everyone’s goal here. We will have to work hard to set a good lap time in FP3 and give 100% in qualifying.”

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Ducati vs Honda: it’s a head-to-head on Day 1 in Jerez

Petrucci, Marquez, Dovizioso, Lorenzo and Crutchlow lock out the top five on Friday

Friday, 03 May 2019

Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati) went fastest on Friday in the Gran Premio Red Bull de España, but the Italian was by no means lonely at the top as his advantage over reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was just 0.012 by the end of play. Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati) was third and within a tenth though, with Jerez specialist Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) next up and just 0.039 behind ‘DesmoDovi’. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), meanwhile, was only a further 0.059 back in fifth to make it less than two tenths covering the top five in a Ducati vs Honda duel for supremacy at the top: a factory rider settling in, last year’s winner, the points leader seeking his first MotoGP™ podium at the venue, a three-time premier class Jerez winner and the 2019 polesitter. Quite an opening day for the European leg of the season.

If the initial Honda vs Ducati duel continues into qualifying, there was groundwork laid in FP1. Repsol Honda took a 1-2 and Marquez sat behind Dovizioso for a couple of laps, and in FP2 the numbers 93 and 99 spent some time circulating in tandem as bad luck-struck Lorenzo got straight back into the mix near the front at one of his most successful venues and Marquez followed him around. But if gaps are the name of the game, the headlines need to expand. Fastest Yamaha Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was third in FP1 and ended the day right in the mix at 0.203 off Petrucci and just 0.008 off Crutchlow, with the Jerez Test’s fastest man, Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), for close company and just 0.022 behind on the combined timesheets. The second quickest Yamaha – and fastest rookie by a stretch – was Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) in P8, and the Frenchman completes a top six split by exactly three tenths as Jerez shapes up to be a showstopper.

Back in action for his first wildcard of the season, meanwhile, Honda test rider and premier class podium finisher Stefan Bradl (HRC Team) took P9 and made it every Honda inside the top ten to further underline their threat in Jerez, with Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) doing similar for Ducati as he completed the top ten, 0.555 off Petrucci. As it stands, they’re the last two with a provisional place in Q2…

In terms of key drama on Day 1, there was a run on for Dovizioso, two crashes for Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and a crash for Hafizh Syahrin (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) after which the Malaysian headed to the medical centre – rider ok. Karel Abraham (Reale Avintia Racing) crashed and wildcard Bradley Smith (Aprilia Factory Racing) crashed in FP2, with the Red Flag briefly shown due to track conditions. With only a couple of minutes left on the clock though, it wasn’t enough for more than one more lap.

So if the field can’t improve their laptimes in FP3, who stands to lose out? The biggest name not currently on course to move through to Q2 directly is Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), with the 2016 winner down in P16 after a tough opening day. It was also a tough Friday for the man who beat him to the top step at COTA, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), with the Spaniard down in P12 – although he’s already recovered from worse this season and is on a serious roll on Sunday form. Rins hasn’t finished outside the top six since Austria last season – and yes, he’s finished every race.

Aiming to improve alongside them in FP3 are the likes of Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) in P11, Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) in P13, fellow rookie Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) in P18 and KTM’s Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who finished Day 1 in P14 and just 0.041 ahead of Andrea Iannone (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini). The gaps from Miller completing the top ten and Mir in P18 are all less than seven hundredths, however…highlighting the incredible level of competition once again.

Can Rossi and Rins fight back on Saturday? Will Honda and Ducati rule the roost on Day 2? Or could we see Viñales finding that missing margin at the front? Make sure to tune in for FP3 at 9:55 (GMT +2) to see who’s heading straight through to Q2, before qualifying from 14:10.

Navarro hits his stride in Spain

HDR Heidrun Speed Up’s Jorge Navarro is Friday’s fastest rider in the Moto2™ class at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España thanks to his 1:41.819 set in FP1, with the Spaniard spearheading Red Bull KTM Ajo teammates Brad Binder and rookie Jorge Martin. It’s a welcome return to form for the KTM duo, with Binder having been fastest in the Jerez Test and Martin impressive now he’s back much fitter after surgery, but the top three were split by just 0.116 and Navarro remains on a roll after his first Moto2™ podium in Texas…

With scorching track conditions making it difficult for the riders to improve times, it was pretty much as you were from a cooler FP1 in terms of combined timesheets. But Navarro didn’t have it all his own way on Day 1, with a fast crash at Turn 11 at the end of FP2 slightly dampening his spirits – rider ok – and Martin also going down.

Texas winner and veteran campaigner Tom Lüthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) is fourth on the combined times, ahead of Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) in fifth, with both men quicker in FP1 than FP2. The Australian also produced a magical save during FP2 to keep himself upright. He was just 0.002 ahead of Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) though as the timesheets remained tight.

Augusto Fernandez (FlexBox HP 40) put in an outstanding effort to finish seventh overall and fourth in FP2, despite the Spaniard suffering a fractured wrist in Argentina and missing the Americas GP as a result, with Tetsuta Nagashima (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) taking P8 as another to impress. Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) and Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) completed the top ten.

Championship leader Lorenzo Baldassarri’s (FlexBox HP 40), meanwhile, saw his day go from bad to worse in the afternoon. Two bike problems and two crashes across FP1 and FP2 leave the man at the top of the standings with some work to do on Saturday to move up from P11 and equal his pole position from last year. He’s just aheaad of rookie NTS RW Racing GP rider Bo Bendsneyder, with Italtrans Racing Team duo Andrea Locatelli and rookie Enea Bastianini completing the fastest fourteen and the provisional Q2 graduates.

How will the pack shuffle on Saturday? With times not improving in FP2 it could be a similar struggle for grip in the hot afternoon temperatures of qualifying – but to get into Q2 and fight for the front they’ll likely have to master the cooler morning temperatures of FP3 too. That third practice session begins at 10:55 (GMT +2), before Q1 starts at 15:05.

Antonelli edges Suzuki in Andalusia

Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) took Friday honours in the Moto3™ class at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España, putting in a 1:46.795 in FP2 to edge teammate Tatsuki Suzuki by just under a tenth. Reigning FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Junior World Champion and rookie Raul Fernandez (Sama Qatar Angel Nieto Team) locked out the top three in an impressive day on home turf, just half a tenth in further arrears.

Friday in Jerez saw sunny skies allow maximum track time at the largely resurfaced venue, and it was all change in FP2 for Antonelli and Suzuki as the duo moved up from P21 and P26 respectively. But most of the action took place in the final 20 minutes, with FP1’s fastest John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) suffering a crash at Turn 1 with just under 20 minutes of FP2 remaining and the last eight minutes of tracktime for the day then getting busy with time attacks as riders scrambled to secure a place in the top 14 and provisional entry to Q2.

Fernandez was undoubtedly one of the most impressive on Friday to take third, edging out the aforementioned McPhee who was fourth overall with his laptime from FP1. Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), currently second in the Championship although equal on points with leader Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai), completed the top five at the venue where he took his first Grand Prix win back in 2017. Fellow former winner Romano Fenati (VNE Snipers) also took his first World Championship victory at the track in 2012 and won again in 2014, ending Day 1 sixth quickest in 2019.

Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 rider Gabriel Rodrigo was seventh overall and split the two VNE Snipers riders, with Tony Arbolino just losing out to the Argentine rider by 0.003 seconds. It was a case of taking it in turns for the two teams as Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 rookie Riccardo Rossi finished Friday in ninth despite a crash; his laptime the one that put him third set in the morning session. Dennis Foggia (Sky Racing Team VR46) locked out the top ten.

The final four who would move through with a provisional place in Q2 are Championship leader Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai), Qatar winner Kaito Toba (Honda Team Asia), rookie Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) and veteran Jakub Kornfeil (Redox PrüstelGP). There’s more from Moto3™ at 9:00 (GMT +2) on Saturday for FP3 before qualifying from 12:35.