Quartararo leads Morbidelli by just 0.030 as Yamaha lock out the top in Lombok

The Iwata duo take the spoils as action opens in Indonesia, with Zarco completing the top three on Friday

Friday, 18 March 2022

What a difference a week and a half makes! After a tougher Qatar GP than many expected, it’s a Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ 1-2 at the end of Friday action at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. Fabio Quartararo leads teammate Franco Morbidelli by just 0.030s thanks to a table-topping 1:31.608, with Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) sitting in P3 heading into Saturday.

Mandalika Test pacesetter Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), 2020 Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and 2021 runner up Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) all finished no higher than P20 too, as did eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) as the number 93 suffered a fast crash in FP2, rider ok despite the excursion over the limit. So it’s all eyes to the sky ahead of FP3 as they look to improve…

 

FP1

After topping the test back in February, Pol Espargaro was fastest out the blocks thanks to a late 1:33.499. The Spaniard was a fitting 0.044s quicker than Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and 0.079s ahead of Repsol Honda teammate Marc Marquez.

The premier class got plenty of slick tyre running under their belts on Friday morning, with the earlier heavy morning downpour forcing Moto3™ and Moto2™ onto wets but the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit already dry enough at the start of MotoGP™ FP1 for the riders to head straight out on Michelin slicks. Morbidelli and Zarco completed the top five in the opening 45-minute stint with good pace in the morning too, but just 0.9s split the top 10.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) suffered a technical problem, but there were no crashes.

FP2

It was far from an ideal start to FP2 for reigning World Champion Quartararo as the Frenchman encountered an issue with his YZR-M1 at the beginning of his third lap, but he was back out on track with 30 minutes to go. Meanwhile, Oliveira led the way in the opening exchanges from Marc Marquez and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team).

There was plenty of work for Sunday’s race underway in the middle part of the session, and there was just 0.8s splitting the top 20 heading into the final quarter of an hour of the day. Oliveira was still leading, but that soon changed as Quartararo set a 1:32.570 to go 0.137s clear of the Portuguese rider with 13 minutes left on the clock. And then began the custom FP2 mini qualifying attacks…

With five minutes to go, Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) unleashed his first effort on a soft rear tyre – a 1:31.904, half a second quicker than Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). But then Morbidelli and Qatar winner Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) got to within a tenth of Martin, before Zarco beat his Pramac Racing teammate to the top. Soon enough though, it was a factory Yamaha 1-2, with Quartararo leading Morbidelli by almost nothing as Bastianini and Marc Marquez both crashed in quick succession – riders ok.

That proved costly not only for Marc Marquez, but also for the riders pushing for their fastest lap times in the closing stages as yellow flags put paid to improvements. Bagnaia was visually frustrated coming back into pitlane knowing he’d missed the chance to grab an important top 10, and the Italian and plenty more will be hoping FP3 remains dry…

Provisional Q2 places

Behind the Yamaha 1-2, it’s a Pramac 3-4 as Zarco edges out Martin by just 0.011s. They’re the first of four Ducatis in a row as Bastianini completes the top five despite his late crash and Miller slots into sixth. Aleix Espargaro, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Oliveira and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) are the final riders currently set to move through to Q2, with less than half a second covering the fastest 10 riders on Day 1.

If that wasn’t close enough, just 1.033s covers the top 20. With the late crashes and subsequent yellow flags, numerous riders will be praying that conditions on Saturday morning are good enough to allow for improvements. FP1 pacesetter Pol Espargaro, Marc Marquez, 2020 World Champion Mir and Pecco are just four of some key players looking for much more.

Make sure you don’t miss MotoGP™ FP3 from Mandalika, as we wait and see what the weather musters up for the premier class in their final chance to earn an automatic place in Q2. Qualifying then begins from 15:05 as the grid gets decided for the inaugural Grand Prix at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit.

FRIDAY: TOP 3

1 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Yamaha – 1’53.432

2 Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Yamaha – +0.030

3 Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) – Ducati – +0.285

 

 

Dixon dominates Day 1 in Indonesia

The Brit pulls clear at the top as a rainy morning gives way to a sunny – and hot – afternoon

Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) has ended Friday at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia as the fastest rider in the Moto2™ class, and by some distance. The British rider’s 1:35.897 was a substantial 0.431s quicker than Celestino Vietti’s (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) effort in a dry FP2, with FP1 pacesetter Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) completing the top three.

FP1

Lowes dominated FP1 with a 1:44.439 in mixed conditions, with American Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) second but a whopping 1.043s behind. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was third quickest on Friday morning, the Italian 2.4s off his teammate after Lowes switched to slicks late on to pull clear.

Qatar GP winner Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) rounded out the fastest five riders in the tricky conditions, the duo both over two and a half seconds down on Lowes.

There were no crashes in FP1.

FP2

After there were no crashes in the FP1 sessions in any class, three riders then went down early doors in Moto2™ FP2. Turn 2 caught out Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™) and Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40), before Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) suffered a highside at the same corner moments later. All riders were ok, but Acosta had crashed under yellow flags while the marshals cleared Canet’s bike. The number 51 was given a Long Lap penalty for the race on Sunday for the infraction.

The session then settled down, with FP1 pacesetter Lowes a tenth clear of impressive rookie Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) heading into the final 10 minutes of action on Friday. That soon changed, however, as Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) leapt to P1. Dixon then moved the goalposts a further quarter of a second in his favour, before going 0.5s clear of compatriot Lowes on his next lap. Lowes, on a personal best lap, then crashed unhurt at Turn 10 – with Vietti snatching P2 off the British rider on his last flying lap.

Provisional Q2 places

Behind Dixon, Vietti and Lowes, Acosta ended the day in P4 but with a Long Lap in his name for Sunday. His teammate Augusto Fernandez ends Friday in P5, ahead of Aldeguer as the Boscoscuro was shuffled down to P6 in the end. Still, it was another strong showing from the reigning Moto2™ European Champion ahead of seventh place Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team). Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), Canet and impressive rookie Gonzalez complete the top 10 ahead of FP3.

Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing), Marcos Ramirez (MV Agusta Forward Racing) and Romano Fenati (MB Conveyors Speed Up) currently make up the rest of the top 14 riders, and they’re the final riders provisionally heading into Q2.

That could all change on Saturday morning, with FP3 giving the grid chance to improve their lap times. Tune in for that before qualifying from 13:25!

FRIDAY: TOP 3

1 Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) – Kalex – 1’35.897

2 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – +0.431

3 Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – +0.594

 

 

Migno pulls clear after mixed Friday in Mandalika

The Qatar GP winner heads the combined timesheets by over a quarter of a second from Tatay and Foggia

Qatar GP race winner and Moto3™ World Championship leader Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) topped the timesheets on Friday at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, the Italian taking to the top in a dry FP2 to set the pace. Migno’s 1:40.960 was 0.273s clear of second place Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), the Spaniard leaping up into the top three on his last lap, while Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) slots in P3 after Day 1.

FP1

Rivacold Snipers Team’s Alberto Surra topped the opening session of the weekend as the Moto3™ riders completed a damp FP1, with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) completing a top three split by just 0.062s in tricky conditions.

Heavy morning rain in Lombok ensured it was less than an ideal start to the Grand Prix for the lightweight class, but the riders were able to get plenty of laps under their belts nonetheless. Reigning Moto3™ Junior World Champion Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Tatay rounded out the top five. Despite the difficult conditions, there were no crashes or incidents in the first session of the weekend.

FP2

Foggia led most of the session as the riders were able to get some much needed dry weather running in the bank after a damp FP1, but Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) was able to set a 1:41.385 to set a new benchmark time in the final 10 minutes – with rookie Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) impressing to slot into P2. However, with a minute to go, it was all action in Mandalika and Migno slammed in the first sub-1:41 Moto3™ time of the day, that proving enough to hand the Italian bragging rights on Friday after teammate Alberto Surra had led the way in FP1.

Once again there were no crashes, but there was one technical problem for Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing).

Provisional Q2 places

Behind Migno, Tatay and Foggia, Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) was fourth in the dry in FP2 and therefore overall, with Guevara taking P5. Öncü slots into sixth, ahead of Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Jauma Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Ogden and second rookie Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) completing the top 10.

Elia Bartolini (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) are two other rookies sitting in the provisional Q2 places, the two in P11 and P12 respectively, as Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Matteo Bertelle (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) occupy the final two spots ahead of FP3 on Saturday morning.

Tune in for that, before Moto3™ head out for qualifying from 12:25 (GMT+8)!

FRIDAY: TOP 3

1 Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) – Honda – 1’40.960

2 Carlos Tatay (CFMOTO Racing PrüstelGP) – CFMOTO – +0.273

3 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – +0.299

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:

POSITIVE VIBE AT THE END OF DAY ONE AT LOMBOK

#IndonesianGP free practice. Team Gresini Racing MotoGP had a strong start to the Indonesian Grand Prix today as both Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio showed great speed at this long-awaited, new track on the MotoGP calendar.

Enea Bastianini managed to finish in the top five: this is a very important result, albeit things could have gone even better. A crash during what was shaping to the best lap of the day – just before the chequered flag was deployed – prevented the current championship leader to sit atop the timesheets today. The Italian rider fortunately escaped uninjured from the tumble after losing the front-end of his Ducati machine – while the stopwatch marked -0.244secs on what ended up being the fastest lap-time of the day. Fifth place is still an encouraging result, especially if it rains tomorrow morning as that would be more than enough for Bastianini to be seeded directly to Q2.

Fabio Di Giannantonio also enjoyed a very promising start to the weekend as he ended up fourteenth at the end of day one. He was the quickest of this year’s series rookies and on many occasions, he made his way into the top ten. This is exactly the goal for the rider #49 for tomorrow as tenth position is currently only 0.3secs away.

 

 

5th – ENEA BASTIANINI #23 (1’31.921)

“We did a good job, especially in FP2. The track was quite damp this morning and we took the opportunity to work on this type of conditions as well – especially as it’s never been my best scenario. The track conditions changed in the afternoon: different grip, different tyres… I had to come up with a plan on the fly and despite a mistake towards the end, things went well. We’re still not 100% and we’ll need to make another step tomorrow – and hopefully the track will also improve. We only worked with medium tyres and soft ones for the time attack… We’ll have to try the harder option too, but today I chose to play safer.

14th – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (1’32.418)

“I’m very happy with how today went: we made a great step with the bike compared to Qatar and I found back the type of feeling I had during the first tests. We were quick with both medium and softer tyres. To tell the truth, I couldn’t put together the perfect lap with the latter, so that means I still have some margin for tomorrow’s qualifying. Now we need to work on the rear-end of the bike, but the feeling with the front-end is there and that’s important.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team:

Exciting opening in Mandalika for WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team 

Andrea Dovizioso and Darryn Binder get scorching Grand Prix of Indonesia underway decently. 

The inaugural Grand Prix at the Mandalika Circuit started with tricky weather conditions today. Following some heavy showers this morning, the partly resurfaced track still featured some wet parts and times were coming down slowly in the first session of the weekend, while FP2 took place under the burning Indonesian sun in full dry conditions.

Although there have been still some wet patches, Andrea Dovizioso started FP1 this morning straight away on slick tyres and eventually concluded the first session of the weekend in P12. In the afternoon, it was not just the asphalt that was heating up, but also the pace of all riders. Thereby, the Italian WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team rider speeded up by 2.289 seconds compared to this morning and was missing out on the top 10 by just 0.197 seconds in eleventh position.

On the other side of the garage, Darryn Binder initiated the morning cautiously on wet tyres, but after a few laps changed to slicks as well. He struggled to find enough confidence on the wet parts of the circuit, but therefore went a lot quicker in dry and hot FP2. The MotoGP newcomer improved by more than four seconds to conclude day one in Indonesia in P23, only 0.711 seconds behind his teammate.

Both WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team riders are aiming to make further steps throughout tomorrow’s important sessions, starting with FP3 at 10:50 local time (03:50 CET), followed by FP4 at 14:25 (07:25 CET) and the Qualifying at 15:05 (08:05 CET) and hoping for stable weather conditions.

 

 

ANDREA DOVIZIOSO

“I still have to work a lot on learning how to ride the bike the correct way and until I manage to do that correctly, I have to basically put in double the amount of work. I still need some improvement and especially, when the grip is like this. I did a different strategy and started with the soft tyre, but it didn’t work. I managed to do some laps behind Franky (Morbidelli), which was very important to see how the bike is ridden correctly. The condition of the track was a bit better than during the test, there is still a line and you have to be really careful, when you leave it. This is going to be difficult for the race.”

 

 

DARRYN BINDER

“This morning was quite difficult. The conditions have been a bit mixed at the beginning of the session. I did a couple of laps on the wets, stopped, put in the slicks, but I just struggled to gain enough confidence to cross the wet patches. With this big bike and so much power every time you touch the wet patches and it moves, I get a little bit nervous, so I struggled to get comfortable this morning. Anyway, it was a learning experience nonetheless. FP2 was quite good. We really tried to improve a lot. I felt quite good and felt that the tyres are different to the test. The grip on the tyre seems to be less than what we had at the test. So I was just really trying to understand that and trying to make changes to improve. I have a better understanding now after FP2 and I think we can work on some things for tomorrow. I still need to learn how to really push 100% on the first lap with a new tyre to get the absolute maximum. Overall, I’m quite happy with how things went. Hopefully we can improve tomorrow if the weather stays stable.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Tech3 KTM Factory Racing:

Positive Opening Day in Mandalika for Tech3 KTM Factory Racing

The long wait for a home Grand Prix came to an end today for MotoGP™ Indonesian fans as world class riders hit the track for Free Practices 1 and 2. An intense rain early this morning in Kuta, Lombok left a tricky track for the morning session, but it eventually dried up quickly with the heat, leaving the riders with good conditions for the afternoon party.

Coming back for the first time on a known track since the start of his MotoGP™ career, Raul Fernandez travelled to Indonesia full of positivity, and admitted changing his approach for the Grand Prix of Indonesia, with the aim to focus more on syncing his body with the bike, rather than changing the bike itself. With strong sectors 1 and 2, Raul finished FP1 in P13 with 1’34.676 this morning. After lunch, times went down for everyone as the track dried up, including for the rookie who improved to 1’32.557 and finished the day in P17, less than one second from the top. With a good feeling on his bike, Raul will hope to continue the work tomorrow with the target to qualify directly for Q2.

It was a positive day too for our second rookie Remy Gardner on the other side of the pit box who showed today that he could be fast on this layout, one that he already knows well after the 175 laps registered during the winter tests. The Australian rode in 1’35.186 in the first session before significantly improving in the afternoon with a best lap-time of 1’32.626, placing himself in P18 just behind his teammate. Remy tried a different bike setting today, one that he seems to be feeling confident with although it requires some adaptation. He will continue the work with his team tomorrow with high hopes of getting a good grid position for Sunday’s race. The MotoGP™ action will return on Saturday, with Free Practice 3 at 10:50 local time (GMT+8).

 

 

Raul Fernandez

Position: 17th

Time: 1’32.557

Laps: 19

“Today was a really positive day for us because I have such a better feeling with the bike than I had in Qatar. We improved a lot firstly, but I am also approaching this Grand Prix from a different perspective as I try to focus on the way my body is moving on the bike rather than making so many changes on the bike itself, and it has been working for me so far. Tomorrow, we will have another opportunity to improve. If we continue to work like we did today, we can fight for a spot in Q2. This is our target.”

 

 

Remy Gardner

Position: 18th

Time: 1’32.626

Laps: 20

“It was very hot today here in Lombok. The track was a bit tricky this morning due to the heavy rain just before the start of the day, but in the afternoon it was better and it allowed us to push more. We changed a bit the settings of the bike, to which I need to adapt, but I think that tomorrow we can take a further step.”

 

 

 

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

1-2 ON MANDALIKA FRIDAY FOR MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP

Mandalika (Indonesia), 18th March 2022

GRAND PRIX OF INDONESIA

FREE PRACTICE

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team got the first ever MotoGP race weekend at the Mandalika track underway today. Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli were in a league of their own by the end of Day 1 of the Grand Prix of Indonesia, taking first and second place respectively in the Friday combined free practice standings.

1st FABIO QUARTARARO 1’31.608 (FP2) / 21 + 18 LAPS

2nd FRANCO MORBIDELLI 1’31.638 (FP2) / 19 + 18 LAPS

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli returned to the Mandalika track for the Grand Prix of Indonesia. The duo refamiliarized themselves with the track in the morning session to get into the mix for top billing in the afternoon, securing first and second place respectively in the combined free practice results.

Quartararo made the most of the drying track conditions to tweak his bike‘s Mandalika Test settings in his search to find more grip at the still dirty track. Testing a hard-medium tyre combination, the Frenchman clocked a best lap of 1‘34.793s on lap 19/21 that put him in 16th place, 1.294s from the top.

With the afternoon session perfectly sunny, El Diablo had hoped to make further strides, but a small issue early on lost him time. The slight misfortune only spurred the Frenchman on, however. By the halfway stage, he was already inside the top 4, a position which he later improved with a 1‘32.570s for provisional first. The time attacks started with five minutes remaining. Quartararo responded by posting a 1‘31.608s on lap 16/18. The time was fast enough to earn him first place in the FP2 and the combined free practice results, with a 0.030s advantage over his teammate in second place.

Morbidelli had enjoyed making solid testing progress at the Mandalika track at the start of the year, and it was clear from the get-go that he meant business again in Indonesia this weekend. He set a fast pace, spending most of the session steadily inside the provisional top 10 before fitting some soft tyres to produce a 1‘33.881s for a short-lived P1. That time, set on lap 16/19, was quick enough to finish FP1 in fourth position, 0.382s from first.

Confident after the productive morning session, the Italian fully focused on making progress with his bike‘s performance on the dry during FP2. He tried various settings and the medium tyre option in preparation for a dry race on Sunday. He put his findings to the test in the final stages during a second time attack and clocked a 1‘31.683s on lap 17/18, which was only beaten by his teammate. He secured second place in the FP2 results and combined FP timesheets, with a 0.255s gap to the rider in third place.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

It was a productive first day for us at the Mandalika track. The two key elements to this round are the track‘s new asphalt improving day by day and the extremely hot weather conditions. Fabio did a really good job turning a difficult day into a good result. He was struggling to find a good feeling in the morning, and a little issue at the start of FP2 cost him further time, but he showed great maturity, and he and his crew got the job done. Franco‘s hard work today is bearing fruit. He and his crew are working in the right direction. He seems to come to terms with the Mandalika track more and more each time he heads out, and his lap times reflect that. A 1-2 is a very encouraging start to the race weekend, but it’s early days. We will make sure to remain focused because the conditions can change here in the blink of an eye. Today we’ve already been able to compare different tyre compounds. That gave us useful information about which tyres we will most likely choose for the race, but we will do some further experimenting tomorrow.

 

 

FABIO QUARTARARO

Basically, I was not there this morning, because Franco was within the top 5, so it was my fault. I tried my best on the hard tyre in the morning, but it was not working for us. Tomorrow, we will try it again in hotter conditions, but it was not easy. In the afternoon, I felt much better in much better conditions. I had a small issue, but then at the end I adapted quite quickly, and I managed to get in a great lap. This is the first time this year that I finished a practice feeling really confident. In the test here I also felt confident, I felt fast, and I think today’s result is a good way to bounce back from what happened in Qatar, which was disappointing. Even if it’s just a free practice, it’s good to have a taste of being in a better position and being faster.

 

 

FRANCO MORBIDELLI

Many things were different compared to the test: the tyres, the tarmac. So, it was really difficult to change things on the bike, because many key elements had changed this Friday. So, today we just tried to adapt to the new situation, and we did quite well, because we were decently fast, and finally also on new tyres Fabio and I were fast. Overall, a positive day for us I would say. I feel good. I was feeling good in Qatar too, but it‘s still early and it‘s difficult to make predictions this early on.

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing Team:

TOP15 FOR BEZZECCHI AFTER THE FIRST FREE PRACTICES MANDALIKA 

The rookie of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team is just under four tenths of a second from the direct entry into the Q2. More complicated day instead for Luca Marini, 24th

Kuta (Indonesia), March 18, 2022 – Marco Bezzecchi closes the Day1 of the first Indonesian GP in Mandalika in the slip stream of the group fighting for the direct access into the Q2, in 15th position and just under four tenths behind the tenth place and from the momentary direct qualification into the Q2. P24 in the combined standings, after having seen a last positive lap time in FP2 of 1’32.560 canceled, Luca Marini.

At ease on the Ducati Desmosedici GP from this morning, Marco was able to make a further step forward in the afternoon session where he signed a best lap time of 1’32.471, a time that means the Top15 and the second place among the rookies.

Luca Marini is also working to shorten the distance (1’36.771 in FP1) setting a best of 1’33.223 and forced to reduce his speed in his last l flying lap for yellow flags.

For both, the green light of the FP3 and the hunt for the direct qualification into the Q2 will start at 10:50 am local time (03.50 am CET). Appointment for qualifying instead at 03.30 pm local time (08:30 am CET).

 

 

Luca Marini #10 

An unlucky day: a stone hit my radiator and I lost a lot of time into the garage. We couldn’t understand what was happening to the bike, it’s something that can happen with a track in these conditions. The feeling is quite good, we are all very close, the sensations are similar to the test, but the rear tire is completely different and it is difficult to manage the rear speed. I have to adapt, I will have to change something and make a step forward on the electronics. In February here, I had the impression of having everything under control, but now the new tire is very sensitive to temperature. But I’m confident, I know we can get closer tomorrow.

 

 

Marco Bezzecchi #72

I’m happy with the new asphalt in the T1, they did a good job, while the rest of the track remained very similar to the test. I had a strong start and I’m happy: the pace is good too and I can make a step of a few tenths in some points in view of qualifying. I worked hard, I tried both soft and medium, I felt good with both but I haven’t made a decision about it yet. Let’s make the most of tomorrow’s sessions to understand in which direction to move.

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager

Busy day for both weather and temperatures. Marco started strong, he has the test data to make the most of and he can make another step forward tomorrow. We still lack a little bit, but they are all very fast. Luca was more unlucky and the yellow flag slow down him in the final stages of the FP2. He can close the gap tomorrow.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

Small issues hold back Repsol Honda Team potential in Indonesia

A strong morning in mixed conditions for Pol Espargaro and Marc Marquez opened the Mandalika weekend before blazing afternoon temperatures and incredibly tight times presented a new challenge, small issues ultimately hiding the true speed of both riders.

The long-awaited return of MotoGP to Indonesia finally got underway on Friday, March 18 as Free Practice began in Lombok. Overnight showers left the circuit wet in the morning, but intense sunshine would see conditions dramatically improve for the afternoon sessions. As always, the margins in MotoGP continue to be some of the tightest ever seen with only 1.6 seconds splitting the entire 24-rider grid.

Pol Espargaro picked up right where he left off in the test, the Repsol Honda Team rider topping Free Practice 1 by 0.044. The end of FP1 saw all of the MotoGP riders pushing for a fast final time as the track conditions continued to improve. With a 1’33.499 as his reference from the morning, Espargaro rolled out of the garage for the afternoon session. The track some 14°C degrees hotter than it had been, the Mandalika Circuit presented a series of completely new challenges but the #44 was able to lap within the top five as the session went on. Unfortunately, a front brake problem on his final run saw Espargaro unable to improve on his best time.

Friday in Indonesia was equally as productive for Marc Marquez and his side of the Repsol Honda Team, especially during the morning. Ending FP1 in third place, less than a tenth of a second behind Espargaro, the new RC213V continued to show well as Marquez worked to find the limit here in Indonesia. Free Practice 2 saw the #93 suffer a fast fall at Turn 11 – avoiding any major injury but not returning to the circuit for the final minutes of the session. Like his teammate, the untimely fall and how tight the MotoGP field is meant that Marquez will provisionally be in Q1. He, like many others, is hoping for sunshine tomorrow.

Saturday morning will be a crucial session for the Repsol Honda Team pair as they hunt top-ten positions to advance directly into Q2. Rain will of course be a factor to watch out for on Saturday and Sunday with the forecasts currently suggesting a gloomy outlook. No matter the conditions, the Repsol Honda Team are preparing for a busy evening to be ready and back at the front no matter what comes.

 

 

Pol Espargaro

19TH  01’32.6280

“When we look at the day overall it’s a good day. We started well with P1 in the morning and then in the afternoon our speed was not too bad. There was a problem with the front brake during our run with the soft tyre so I couldn’t improve like I wanted to but before that we were able to run inside the top five. There was the potential to be in the top five and sadly these kinds of problems can happen, we are not worried about it. The important thing is that the lap time is coming, when I want to push – I can push and get the lap time. Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully the morning is dry so we can improve to Q2, I have the speed.”

 

 

Marc Marquez

22ND  01’32.8470

“Today in the morning we were able to go quite well but then in the afternoon we had a crash when it was not the time to have a crash. This can happen when you are pushing for one fast lap. We still need to work on what tyre will be best for the race, this will be the main objective for tomorrow. Before the crash it was OK, but we will have to see what the situation is tomorrow. Not happy for the result and hoping for dry conditions tomorrow morning.”

 

 

 

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

TAKA UPBEAT AFTER OPENING FREE PRACTICE SESSIONS AT MANDALIKA

Takaaki Nakagami finished just outside the top 10 as qualifying for the Indonesian Grand Prix got underway at the Mandalika International Street Circuit on Friday. The LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider showed flashes of his potential as MotoGP racing returned to Indonesia for the first time in 25 years and is confident of further improvement on Saturday to secure direct entry into Q2.

Despite heavy overnight rain, the premier class were able to put on slicks from the start of FP1, although a drying track meant times were slightly down with Taka ending the session in 14th. The circuit had completely dried out by the afternoon and the Japanese star set the early pace in FP2, but found himself edged out the top 10 in the closing stages after a couple of late yellow flags.

 

 

Takaaki Nakagami – 12th

(1’32.314)

“Today, FP1 was tricky, it was mixed conditions and difficult to understand. But FP2 was dry and we tried to understand the new asphalt with the new casing of the tyre compared to the test. It was a positive day for us, there were a lot of things we were able to understand about the feeling of the bike and also the feeling of the tyre. The feeling of the bike today was good, just at the end of FP2 we were missing a good qualifying lap, but we can definitely have a good improvement tomorrow. I’m excited for qualy, we’re ready to take a step forward.”

 

 

 

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

ÁLEX MÁRQUEZ LOOKING TO MAKE ANOTHER STEP AT MANDALIKA

MotoGP racing returned to Indonesia on Friday with the start of free practice for the inaugural GP at the Mandalika International Street Circuit. LCR Honda CASTROL rider Álex Márquez worked hard and showed promise in FP2, but had to settle for 16th position on the timesheets overall on day one as he continues his adaptation to the 2022 RC213v.

There were tricky track conditions as free practice got underway with the circuit still drying out from overnight rain. Despite being only four tenths outside the top ten, Alex ended 18th in the morning session as he continued to search for front end stability. Having improved by over two seconds in a dry FP2, the Spaniard will now look to make a step forward on Saturday.

 

 

Álex Márquez – 16th

(1’32.554)

“We’re still discovering many things with this new bike. In Qatar, we discovered the front feeling is where we need to focus. With my riding style I’m suffering a lot and maybe even more than the other (Honda) ones. We are asking for some better turning, better stopping when braking and I’m sure that when we find a solution, the step forward will be big. We still have some of the same issues as in Qatar as we’re struggling with the front end and we need to understand better what’s going on and improve. Tomorrow it will be important to try to make the bike more precise when we’re braking, to get the lap time we want.”

 

 

 

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

A ROUGH RIDE FOR SUZUKI ON OPENING DAY IN MANDALIKA

Alex Rins: 10th – 1’32.106 (+ 0.498)

Joan Mir: 20th – 1’32.641 (+ 1.033)

Thunderstorms and rain passed over the Pertamina Mandalika circuit on Friday morning, but for the MotoGP class both sessions were dry. This meant that Suzuki’s riders were able to spend FP1 reacquainting themselves with the layout and trying out the new surface.

Despite extra cleaning measures in place to regularly sweep the circuit before and between sessions, the track remained a little treacherous off-line due to dust and dirt.

Joan Mir and Alex Rins initially took it easy in FP1, but as they gained confidence and grip they were able to set about improving their lap times. They closed the morning in 10th and 17th respectively, with Rins showing nice pace in the fast and sweeping corners of sector 2.

FP2 saw a slight improvement in surface grip, and even higher track temperatures. With rain forecast for the remainder of the weekend, the focus was on Top 10 placement for both Suzuki riders.

Mir’s afternoon didn’t go to plan after he suffered a few bike issues which held him back. An initial time-attack push with around six minutes to go proved positive as Mir moved into fourth, but when going for his last fast laps he was caught by two yellow flags and had to accept 20th. Despite feeling unwell throughout the day, Rins impressed when switching to softer tyres, and a final big push moved him into a very useful 10th place.

 

 

Alex Rins:

“Today was a difficult day for me, I didn’t sleep much at all last night; I think only around four hours. For this didn’t feel right from a physical point of view, and I’m actually surprised that I managed to get into the Top 10. My FP2 session was quite nice, and with the softer tyres I had some better pace, but the yellow flags cost me in the end.”

 

 

Joan Mir:

“Today’s FP2 was tough, we had some minor mechanical issues which meant that I couldn’t tie everything together. I started to feel better with the bike at the end of the session, I had a soft tyre and I was getting faster, in fact I felt pretty good with those tyres, but I got caught by the yellow flags and lost my laps. The day didn’t go as I expected, but we still have time to fix the bike and improve our pace, it won’t be easy because rain is coming, but we won’t give up and we feel optimistic.”

Livio Suppo – Team Manager:

“It’s been a relatively good day in the office, let’s say. The first positive thing is that the circuit has improved and it’s now possible to race on, the resurfacing was done in a hurry and completed just a few days ago but it’s workable and better than we expected. Alex did a good job today despite not feeling great from a physical point of view, and he made it into the Top 10. Joan had some small technical issues in FP2, but these things can happen and tomorrow is another day.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Pramac Racing:

INDONESIAN GP – JOHANN AND JORGE DID AN AMAZING JOB TODAY ENDING

RESPECTIVELY THE FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE IN THIRD AND FOURTH PLACE

The first day of free practice at the Mandalika Circuit ends in a positive way for both Pramac Racing riders, third position for Johann Zarco and fourth position for Jorge Martin. Mixed asphalt conditions during the fp1, the French rider closed with the fifth time 1’34.2420 the Spanish rider ended the session with the time of 1’35.5250 in 21st position. Excellent performance in fp2 for Johann and Jorge who, with times of 1’31.893 and 1’31.904, take the third and fourth place in the overall ranking.

Jorge Martín

This morning I wanted to get confident with the bike and the track. In the afternoon session I already felt much better and in fact I finished in fourth position. The sensations are very positive and I’m confident.

Johann Zarco

Definitely a very positive first day, I was able to go well in both sessions. Having done the test here has definitely helped me to get familiar with the track. It will be important tomorrow to get into Q2 right away and have a good qualifying session.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

MOTOGP DEBUTS IN INDONESIA AT MANDALIKA TRACK

ALEIX ESPARGARÒ CONFIRMS HIS PLACE AMONG THE FRONTRUNNERS IN THE FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE

MAVERICK VIÑALES ALSO ON THE RISE, CLOSE TO THE TOP TEN

With the first two practice sessions the MotoGP weekend got underway at the new Mandalika circuit on the island of Lombok in Indonesia. The premiere class of world motorcycling returns to the Asian country, one of the most important motorbike markets in the world, after 25 years. In those days, the two-stroke classes put on a show at the Sentul circuit and Aprilia enjoyed a double triumph with victories for Valentino Rossi in 125 and Max Biaggi in 250.

Both the first session – run on a partially damp asphalt due to the overnight rains – and the second in dry conditions, confirmed the good momentum of Aleix Espargaró, who finished the first session in sixth place and the second in seventh (in 1’32.008), a position he also occupied in the combined standings, 4 tenths from provisional pole. After finishing fourth in his debut race in Qatar, Aleix confirmed his position as one of the top riders even when the track and conditions changed, always able to exploit the obvious qualities of his Aprilia RS-GP.

At the new Indonesian track, whose asphalt has been partially resurfaced after winter testing and with the unknown represented by unseen tyres compared to the tests done here in February, Viñales showed an increase in his adaptation to the new RS-GP 2022 compared to the first race. Both in the first session, in precarious wet grip conditions, and in the second session he showed good potential. In the end he finished in thirteenth position (1’32.344), two tenths from the top ten.

 

 

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ

“A pretty stressful but positive day. The new asphalt is definitely an improvement over the tests and, despite having less positive sensations than in Qatar, I was still able to be fast. Even this morning, in the worst conditions for my style – a damp track and slick tyres – the RS-GP performed well. Overall a good day even though qualifying here will be the real crux of the weekend: it’s not easy to overtake here, so starting as far ahead as possible could affect the race”.

 

 

MAVERICK VIÑALES

“We have done a good job on the track, today we had different conditions between the two sessions but the behaviour of the new asphalt was definitely positive. The situation for me is definitely better than Qatar even if still not perfect. This is demonstrated by my fast lap, where I made more than one mistake, which means that there is room for improvement. We know we have work to do, my adaptation to the Aprilia is not finished and we have to continue on this path”.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:

Miller ends 6th after the first day of free practice for the Indonesian GP in Lombok. Bagnaia hindered by the yellow flags at the end of the session closes 21st

Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia closed the first day of free practice of the Indonesian GP, scheduled this Sunday at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit in Lombok, in 6th and 21st positions overall, respectively.

With the track only partially dry after the rain that fell early this morning, Pecco was the ninth quickest in 1:34.357 in FP1, while Jack closed eleventh in 1:34.562. In FP2, the track conditions improved dramatically, allowing both Ducati Lenovo Team riders to lower their lap times. However, only Miller was able to take full advantage of the soft tyre during the final minutes of the session. The Australian rider was able to close with the fastest lap in 1:31.965, setting the sixth-fastest time overall and securing a provisional spot into Q2.

On the other hand, Bagnaia saw both his time attack attempts cancelled by the yellow flags after Enea Bastianini and Marc Márquez crashed out. The Italian finished Day 1 only 21st, but he is aware that he has the potential to be in the top ten, and if the weather conditions allow it, he will aim to improve on that in tomorrow’s crucial FP3 session.

 

 

Jack Miller (#43 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 6th (1:31.965)

“I had a lot of fun today, and I’m satisfied with this first day. The circuit management did an incredible job, and with the new asphalt, the track conditions have improved a lot. I thought we would have to start the day with the rain tyres because with the rain this morning, there were still some wet patches, but we were able to use the slicks straight away, and even in the wettest spots, the grip level was good. The surface was still pretty dirty, but the track has cleaned up after the first few sessions. In FP2 this afternoon, I tried to do a long run, and the pace is good, so I’m satisfied. Now the goal will be to be able to confirm the good results tomorrow morning in FP3 and get a good placement in qualifying.”

 

 

Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 21st (1:32.845)

“I’m thrilled with the work we did today. Unfortunately, we were unlucky because I got both yellow flags in the final minutes of FP2 and could not finish my time attack. Anyway, I have found a good feeling with the bike, and the pace is very good. The track conditions are better than the test, and I feel good with the tyres brought here by Michelin, which make our bike much more stable. We definitely have the potential to be in the top ten in FP3. Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain and that we have at least a chance to try a time attack tomorrow morning.”

The Ducati Lenovo Team riders will be back on track tomorrow at 10:50am local time (03:50am Italian time) for FP3, while qualifying for the Indonesian GP will take place from 8:00am (CET +7), after FP4.