VALENCIA, Spain – Two days after the MotoGP season finale, riders were back on track at Circuit Ricardo Tormo for the first day of testing ahead of the upcoming season.
Fabio Quartararo, fresh off completing his rookie season for Petronas Yamaha SRT, turned 76 laps and set the fastest time of the day at 1:30.163 despite a crash at speed in turn 10. He was testing a new carbon swingarm along with chassis parts.
Maverick Viñales was second fastest at 1’30.327 for Monster Energy Yamaha. The Spaniard spent the day working on tire consumption, his riding style, his rhythm and to take the new prototype YZR-M1 out for a spin.
Franco Morbidelli was third fastest on the second Petronas Yamaha SRT, followed by Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso and MotoGP champion Marc Marquez.
It was a rough day for Repsol Honda, as Marc Marquez and his new teammate, younger brother Alex Marquez, both crashed. Neither was injured and both were able to continue. Bradley Smith also crashed in turn nine, but managed to return to the track later in the day.