FIM MotoGP World Championship
Brno, Czech Republic
August 7, 2017
Test Results (all on Michelin tires):
1. Valentino ROSSI, Italy (YAMAHA), 1:55.162
2. Marc MARQUEZ, Spain (HONDA), 1:55.180
3. Maverick VIÑALES, Spain (YAMAHA), 1:55.335
4. Jorge LORENZO, Spain (DUCATI), 1:55.542
5. Johann ZARCO, France (YAMAHA), 1:55.691
6. Cal CRUTCHLOW, UK (HONDA), 1:55.768
7. Dani PEDROSA, Spain (HONDA), 1:55.795
8. Jonas FOLGER, Germany (YAMAHA), 1:55.830
9. Andrea IANNONE, Italy (SUZUKI), 1:56.123
10. Aleix ESPARGARO, Spain (APRILIA), 1:56.263
11. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Italy (DUCATI), 1:56.403
12. Tito RABAT, Spain (HONDA), 1:56.535
13. Jack MILLER, Australia (HONDA), 1:56.634
14. Alex RINS, Spain (SUZUKI), 1:56.637
15. Pol ESPARGARO, Spain (KTM), 1:56.668
16. Bradley SMITH, UK (KTM), 1:56.976
17. Sam LOWES, UK (APRILIA), 1:57.851
18. Takuya TSUDA, Japan (SUZUKI), 1:59.749*
*test rider
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Rossi reigns Brno test with a late lunge to the top
Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) shot to the top of the timesheets at the Brno test with only seconds left on the clock, deposing reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) from P1 by only thousandths. Second Movistar Yamaha rider Maverick Viñales made for close company in third, only a tenth and a half further back after having been first for much of the session.
As well as their own specific programs, teams also had 2018 Michelin tyres to test, with the rubber designed with the intention of improving temperature management.
Yamaha
One of the biggest headlines behind the timesheets was a new aero fairing for Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, which didn’t break cover during the race weekend. The team also tried carbon forks and worked on settings, with Maverick Viñales doing 69 laps with a best of 1:55.335 in P3 and Valentino Rossi putting in 52 laps. The ‘Doctor’’s best was a 1:55.162 to take over at the top.
The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 garage had Jonas Folger trying a different chassis and teammate Johann Zarco focusing on settings, specifically to improve corner exit. Folger did 48 laps and was P8, Zarco 70 laps to take fifth.
Honda
Repsol Honda teammates Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa spent the day prepping for the Austrian GP, working on the electronics and trying different settings. Marquez did 67 laps with a best of 1:55.180 for second. Pedrosa, fresh from his 150th podium, put in a best of 1:55.795 after 53 laps and was P7.
LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow was working to solve some issues he’d encountered during the Czech GP, before focusing heavily on getting ready for the hard braking and hard acceleration of the Austrian GP. He was P6 after 48 laps. EG 0,0 Marc VDS saw Jack Miller trying a softer triple clamp, and working on settings. Tito Rabat focused on set up and more on his riding style, just beating his teammate to P12 by 0.099.
Ducati
Work for the Ducati Team centered around their radical new aero fairing that first appeared during the Czech GP weekend. Jorge Lorenzo kept working with it after having used it in the race, with Andrea Dovizioso trying it out for the first time. Lorenzo was P4 with a 1:55.542 after 55 laps, Dovizioso P11 after 45 laps.
Aprilia
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini continued working with their new parts brought after summer – although Sam Lowes was forced to limit his track time after injuring his foot during the GP weekend. The Noale factory have a new engine, airbox, exhaust, gearbox and swingarm as some of their key upgrades – with lots to test. Aleix Espargaro was P10 after 51 laps, Lowes P17 after 26.
Suzuki
Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Andrea Iannone was focused on braking and getting the bike stopped, as well as trying the 2018 spec engine for the Hamamatsu factory. Rookie Alex Rins tried the chassis Iannone has had since the Catalunya Test. Iannone was P9 after 47 laps, Rins P14 after 69. Test rider Takuya Tsuda was also on track and worked on electronics.
KTM
Red Bull Factory Racing followed up their best ever result with Pol Espargaro in the Czech GP with some preparation for their home race next time out. Espargaro was working on the chassis and on acceleration when the bike is upright – with stopping power something the Austrian factory are already happy with. Bradley Smith’s side of the garage were trying out ways to adapt the bike more to the Brit’s riding style. Espargaro did 60 laps and was P15, Smith 51 laps to end the day in sixteenth.
Now the paddock head for the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, for the next round after a quick turnaround. Practice begins on Friday, with the race on Sunday at 14:00 (GMT +2).
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda:
POSITIVE DAY OF TESTING FOR CRUTCHLOW IN BRNO
Fresh from his fifth place finish in the Czech Republic Grand Prix on Sunday, Cal Crutchlow was back out on the Automotodrom Brno on Monday as the LCR Honda team took part in a day of testing at the circuit. Despite still suffering with the back and ankle injuries sustained in a heavy fall on Saturday, Crutchlow had a busy schedule and got through plenty of laps as he looked for improvements to his Honda package.
Although he opted to finish for the day just after 2pm local time to help protect his injuries, the Briton completed 47 laps ending the day in 6th place. The Briton was pleased with the progress his Team had made and he now heads into next weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix with high hopes of another positive result.
Cal Crutchlow – 6th
(1’55.768 – lap 23 of 48)
“I didn’t feel too bad, by the time I stopped for the day I’d done the most laps. We’re always trying to improve the package, my team did a good job today and I’m pleased with the pace we had and I’m looking forward now to going to Austria.
“We were concentrating on the braking as always to try and gain half a second in every braking zone, we just have to try and do the best job we can. We had a positive day today at Brno, but Spielberg may be a different story, I hope not.
“We used two sets of medium tyres all day, and no soft tyres, and did not too bad lap times, so I’m pleased and we can go away from here happy”.
More, from a press release issued by Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS:
Rabat and Miller confident for Austria after positive Brno test
Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS riders, Tito Rabat and Jack Miller, head to Austria and round 11 of the 2017 MotoGP World Championship with renewed confidence, after completing a positive one-day test at Brno.
Rabat focussed on chassis set up today, evaluating changes to both the balance and geometry of his Honda RC213V, as he worked to improve drive and traction out of the corners. A significant improvement in this area saw the Moto2 World Champion break into the 1’56s bracket for the first time.
In addition Rabat modified slightly both his riding style and his position on the bike to bring more stability under braking, which will be critical at next weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, with the Red Bull Ring featuring many hard braking areas.
Miller and his crew used today’s test as an opportunity to work on increasing rear grip, which has been an issue for the Australian in recent races, and to improve turning performance.
The test also allowed Miller more time to readapt to the demands of his Honda RC213V, having spent the summer break testing and racing a superbike at the Suzuki Eight-Hours, as well as evaluating two new tyres from Michelin, one front and one rear.
Miller declared himself satisfied with progress made during today’s test, which he finished with a time of 1’56.634, placing him 13th on the timesheet and just over a second off the fastest time of the day.
Tito Rabat: 12th – 1’56.535 – 68 Laps
“Today was very positive for us. We made a big step forward on corner exit, finally figuring out how to get the bike to drive out of the turn on the gas, rather than losing traction by spinning up the rear tyre. This is so important, because it’s where I’ve struggled the most since stepping up to MotoGP last season. I want to say thank you to my crew for all their hard work, not just today but throughout the year, as now I go to the next race in Austria in a more confident frame of mind. It was a productive test with a lot of laps and a big improvement in both feeling and lap time. I’m happy with what we achieved here today.”
Jack Miller: 13th – 1’56.634 – 47 Laps
“Today was mostly about rediscovering the feeling on the MotoGP bike and Michelin tyres after picking up some bad habits on the superbike in Suzuka! Overall it was a really positive test here for us, with some consistent lap times and really good pace on the medium tyre, so I’m happy. We also spent some time working on the geometry in preparation for Austria next weekend, where late braking is critical. I have slightly less than fond memories after the track did a number on me last year, but I’m excited to go back.”
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Gresini Racing:
APRILIA – DAY OF TESTS IN BRNO
TESTING DONE ON TECHNICAL UPGRADES FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON
Just a few hours after the chequered flag had waved over the Brno race, most of the MotoGP teams were on the track again for a day of tests. These were fundamental, especially in view of the coming weekend, where they will be busy in Austria for the eleventh round on the 2017 calendar.
In the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini garage, the work schedules followed two rather different paths. Aleix Espargaró, eighth across the line yesterday, continued developing the technical package that had been introduced just in time for the race in the Czech Republic, testing various setups and even a new swingarm. The Spanish rider turned 51 laps with 1’56.256 being his best time.
Rookie Sam Lowes, on the other hand, focused on improving his own riding style. In fact, along with his team, Sam identified braking and coming out of turns as the most critical phases in adapting to the RS-GP, two elements that come under particular stress on the Austrian Spielberg circuit. His right foot is still sore after his crash on Saturday, so the English rider did a reduced schedule, turning 26 laps, the best one clocking in at 1’57.851.
ALEIX ESPARGARO’
“It is always a good thing to test after a race, although it is obviously demanding from a physical point of view. We worked well, continuing to explore in depth the new technical package that Aprilia brought and also testing a new swingarm. Our pace with a race tyre was good and that makes me optimistic for the coming races. The engine confirmed that it is working well. We got close to the leaders in terms of top speed and this is also important.”
SAM LOWES
“Despite not doing many laps today, we worked well. I need to improve my riding style, especially in braking where the movements required are very different than on the Moto2 bike. I have a tendency to downshift very quickly, to the detriment of the braking force, but today we took an important step forward in braking habits. The Austrian track is a start-and-stop circuit, where braking and acceleration are fundamental, so we tested a specific setting without focusing on the fast lap here at Brno. My foot still hurts a bit. We stopped early without stressing it so that I’ll be at 100% in Austria.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Yamaha Tech 3:
Zarco signs out of Czech Republic with 5th at Brno Test – Folger makes solid strides forward
Monster Yamaha Tech3 team rider Johann Zarco continued his highly impressive progress aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 as he tirelessly lapped the Brno circuit today. The rapid French rider gained valuable insights as he focused on exploring setup options as well as sampling some new Michelin tyres. After completing a mammoth 70 laps, he set his best time on the penultimate lap and finished as the Top Independent rider. The findings leave him fully confident for the next outing in just a few days time.
Whilst Jonas Folger wrapped up the post Czech Grand Prix test in a thoroughly encouraging manner after posting the 8th fastest time as he gained valuable information for the remainder of the 2017 season. The young German tested electronics, settings and tyres as well as a new chassis which all heralded highly positive results. His best lap was only 0.139 behind his teammate, and now he eyes up the forthcoming Austrian Grand Prix with a new level of confidence.
Johann Zarco
Position: 5th – Time: 1’55.691 – Laps:70
“After a solid weekend, but a tricky race, I was just happy to be back on my Yamaha today, yet the test went positively for me and we completed a lot of laps. The team and I didn’t test any new parts, but we looked at the setup of the YZR-M1 in order to improve the feeling and to try to always be fast yet relaxed. We did a good job and now I can also understand the bike a bit better, which allows me to give more valuable comments to the crew who can then enhance my Yamaha even more. Today I especially focused on the corner exit. When you start to struggle in a Grand Prix, it’s usually because of the rear grip and it’s sometimes difficult to have a solid drive and to follow the other riders, so I worked on this. Also, I tried the new tyres and the results were pleasing because we had a rear tyre that gave me a good feeling but it’s for next year. Additionally, I tried a front compound that Viñales likes, and I too am pleased with it. Today was positive and we made some interesting steps forward so let’s see how these results work in Austria.”
Jonas Folger
Position: 8th – Time: 1’55.830 – Laps: 48
“The test today was very positive for us at Brno and we definitely found some advantages that will help. I sampled a difference chassis, which was interesting and I really like it. The turning is a little bit better than the other chassis so we have decided to use it for the rest of the season. Yet, before we did this, we worked on the settings in order to solve the issues that we experienced at the weekend. All in all, we did a super job. The aim was to try to get more load on the front, and the results are very positive. In addition, the chassis was beneficial as well so we certainly made two steps forward. In the end, we are more than pleased about today and I am looking forward to Spielberg where we will try the new settings that we found, and also the new chassis.”
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
Repsol Honda Team complete Czech weekend with positive Monday testing session
After yesterday’s fantastic race, Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa were back on track at Brno today for a one-day test in ideal weather conditions.
At the end of the day both Marc and Dani were satisfied with the progress made in several areas of the bike’s setup, focusing on electronics, suspension settings and race pace. They also tried a selection of new Michelin tyres.
Marc was second fastest overall, with a time of 1’55.180 on lap 49 of 67. Dani, who suffered a small, mid-afternoon tumble in turn 3, finished the day seventh with a 1’55.795 on lap 37 of 53.
Marc Marquez 93
2ND 1’55.180
“I’m very happy with today. I had a good feeling on the bike as soon as I got on to the track. Today’s fresh temperature combined with the good conditions of the asphalt allowed us to easily make some very good lap times; we have been very competitive on race pace. We tried several things on our bike’s race setup as it was the perfect day to understand the various settings, also in view of the next GPs. We worked on electronics and we also tried a new front Michelin tyre. We leave from here having made a few improvements and with a few ideas to try in Austria.”
Dani Pedrosa 26
7TH 1’55.795
“Today we worked a lot on several little details we want to improve on our bike setup, aiming to be more comfortable during the race weekend. We tried a few mappings looking to get a better control on the throttle, besides some different setups for the front fork. We made some steps forward compared to the last time we worked in those areas, though we need to work more on them. We tried some Michelin tyres for future races. The track conditions were good and the grip increased more and more over the day but we did not go for a time attack, preferring to concentrate on the setup of our bike. The team did a good job and in general it was a positive day.”
More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
Ducati Team riders back out on track again at Brno in MotoGP testing
After taking part in yesterday’s Czech Grand Prix, the Ducati Team riders were out on track again at the Brno circuit for a one-day test that also saw the presence of all the factory MotoGP teams and several satellite squads. Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso took advantage of perfect weather conditions to do important set-up work and back-to-back tests on several new components, and the Italian rider also used the new aerodynamic package, raced yesterday by his team-mate, for the first time.
Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team #99) – 1’55’542 (4th), 55 laps
“Today was perhaps the most important day of the year for me. I had an excellent feeling with the bike and am very satisfied. Already in the race weekend we were very competitive but today we improved even more: it’s true that the track was probably in a better condition than the previous days, but we found some set-up solutions that are better for my riding style and they allowed me to push even harder and go even quicker. My feeling with the new fairing continues to be very good, because it gives me more confidence in the front.”
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 1’56.403 (11th), 45 laps
“Today was a perfect day to do all the tests that we had planned. We had all the time that was necessary to evaluate the bike with the new fairing, and we managed to test it to the full and obtain some clear feedback. The guys in Ducati Corse have done a really great job, because it was not easy to recreate the effects of the winglets with the new regulations, but as always there are pros and cons in riding and feel. In my opinion it will be useful at certain tracks and I think that it could give us a good advantage in Austria.”
More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:
POSITIVE TESTING OF TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR IN BRNO
Andrea Iannone: 9th – 1:56.123 / +0.961
Alex Rins: 14th – 1:56.637 / +1.475
Takuya Tsuda: 18th – 1:59.749 / +4.587
The day of testing in Brno has finished for the Team SUZUKI ECSTAR, with three riders involved in an intensive session today right after the Czech GP.
Andrea Iannone was getting over the pain in his leg that he got after yesterday’s accident, and was able to do important work with new setting configurations, some electronics finalization, and some new parts in the engine that will be useful for development for 2018. He also tested the new Michelin’s front tyre again, with positive feedback.
After a positive race yesterday and the consistent improvements that he has made since his comeback after the injury, Alex Rins focused his testing on new setup configurations and an update of the chassis. He got the Evolution chassis that Iannone is already using. This will allow for the improvement of his understanding of the GSX-RR, and the beginning the machine’s finalization according to his feedback.
Test rider Takuya Tsuda joined Team Suzuki MotoGP in this test in order to help the engineers continued efforts to develop the electronics. His target is to gather as much information as possible on the new configurations that have been developed in order to make them available to the engineers for further evaluations and development.
Ken Kawauchi – Technical Manager
“This has been a very important test for us, both immediately and for the development for 2018. We had many items to test, and three different programs for the three riders, all with different priorities. Overall, the feedback is positive: with Andrea and Alex were able to take some steps forward that could be useful as early as Austria, but we also had some important indications that will push the development in the second part of the season. Alex was also able to try the Evolution chassis that Andrea has already been using since Barcelona. He did find some benefits to it. We also brought some new specs for the engine that helped the riders with its feeling and this will be very important for next year. Tsuda worked hard with the test team, developing some new solutions with the electronics.”
Davide Brivio – Team Manager
“I believe this test has been very positive for both riders. We wanted to make some tests not only for immediate improvements but also for the development for 2018. The riders gave us important feedback and we have been given many indications as to what we can work on. With Andrea we tested some settings and improvements that will be useful in Austria this Friday, while Alex finally recovered enough to test the new chassis that he lost in Barcelona; the same chassis that Andrea is using. He liked it, felt some improvements, so I believe we will try to use it in Austria. This has been a positive test that provided us useful information. Also the test rider Tsuda joined us and he focused more on the electronics. His job was meant more to support the development that the Factory is carrying out in Japan.”
Andrea Iannone
“It’s a shame we couldn’t make better use of the soft tyre, but unfortunately this morning I crashed two times in the trial trying to push the bike to its limit, and this cut some of our time off. We focused on trying out some new improvements for 2018, and I feel the direction is correct. My feeling on the bike improved a lot. In fact, today I could lap much faster than yesterday in the race. Also the pace improved. I spoke with Alex and he had pretty much the same feelings I had, therefore I think we are all on the right path and we have a good chance to improve.”
Alex Rins
“Today it was a very positive day because we were able to try so many pieces and this is always a positive thing. I tried a new chassis, the one Andrea has been using for a few races, and I felt much more comfortable. We will try to use it in Austria, and if we see we can work in the same good line we will use it. We improved the cornering speed and also in the corner exit. Overall it was a very positive test for us so let’s see if we can take a step forward after today’s improvements.”
More, from a press release issued by Movistar Yamaha:
MOVISTAR YAMAHA MOTOGP BOOST CONFIDENCE IN BRNO TEST
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team’s Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales returned to the scene of yesterday‘s Monster Energy Grand Prix Ceské republiky for some additional data gathering during the one-day Official IRTA test. The teammates secured first and third place respectively.
GRAND PRIX OF CZECH REPUBLIC
Brno, Czech Republic – 7th August 2017
TEST
18:00 LOCAL TIME GMT+2AIR 25°C / TRACK 35°CSUNNY / HUMIDITY 37%
1st
VALENTINO ROSSI
1‘55.162 / 52 LAPS
3rd
MAVERICK VIÑALES
1‘55.335 / 69 LAPS
Brno (Czech Republic), 7th August 2017
Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales successfully rounded up a long weekend at the Automotodrom Brno today. Following yesterday’s Monster Energy Grand Prix Ceské republiky, the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team riders were back aboard their YZR-M1s for an eight-hour test. They tried out a new aero fairing and new carbon front forks from Öhlins and some other items, and secured first and third place respectively in today’s timesheets.
Rossi had a productive day testing in the Czech Republic. He got straight down to business when he hit the track, comparing various parts and settings with positive results. The Doctor completed 52 laps in total, and really put his head down on the last stint to go top on lap 51 with a 1‘55.162s, 1.930s quicker than his fastest time in yesterday‘s race. He wrapped up the day leading with a 0.018s margin over his closest rival.
This morning Viñales needed little time to get back into the strong rhythm he showed yesterday during the race, and posted a best time of 1‘55.679s just before midday. In the afternoon he gave the new aero fairing a try. His morning time remained unchallenged for most of the test, until the pace picked up in the final hours. The Spaniard responded with a 1‘55.335s, on lap 64 of 69 in total, and ended the day in third place, 0.173s from his teammate, and is looking forward to the Austrian Grand Prix with a positive feeling.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
After yesterday‘s race it was good that we were able to get extra dry track time and do some testing that we didn‘t have time for during the weekend. Vale and Maverick tried the new fairing, the Öhlins carbon front forks and some other items. There were a few positive and negative points, but overall the rider feedback has been very positive. Maverick worked on the electronics and had a better feeling at the end of the test, and Valentino made a big step today, which resulted in him setting the fastest time of the session. The engineers will go over all the data that we‘ve collected, and they will prepare the next steps forward. It’s been a busy first week after the summer break, so now we have our muscles all warmed up again and we‘re ready to go to Spielberg for the next race in Austria.
VALENTINO ROSSI
I’m so happy, because it’s been a long time since I was able to be in the first position on a Monday. I don’t usually like the Monday tests, they are a difficult part of my work. It’s important because we finished a good weekend with a good performance. Being in first position is always a good feeling. Between all the things we tried, we tried the fairing that was good. I have a good feeling, but that depends on the track, I don’t think that for example at a track like Austria this fairing will be very important. I’m happy. I like the fork, because it helps in the change of direction and the bike is easier and lighter, so it’s a good option.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
We were trying to get more acceleration, which is really important in Austria to get a good lap time. We improved and I feel happy again on the bike, I‘m riding really good. We also tried many things with the electronics that we improved, so I‘m quite happy. The carbon front forks from Öhlins feel much lighter, but anyway the effect wasn‘t the one we wanted. We‘ll try it again in Austria and let‘s see how we do there. We didn‘t try the two new front Michelin tyres, we wanted to keep the momentum going with this tyre and keep the best feeling for Austria.