10-19 – Czech Republic GP – Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight –

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Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight

10-19 - Czech Republic GP - Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight -

Marc Marquez unsurprisingly dominated the official tests organized in the wake of the 2018 Czech Republic GP ahead of Johann Zarco and Dani Pedrosa. Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, authors of a superb Ducati double on Sunday in Brno, complete the Top 5.

Barely enough time to breathe after the Czech Republic GP that most of the riders were already getting back on their bikes for a day of IRTA testing on the Brno circuit. The team Avintia and Aspar Angel Nieto – who had nothing to test – were missing, as well as Maverick Viñales and Stefan Bradl who healed the .

  • GP of Czech Republic 2018:
  • Czech Republic GP 2018 :

In the KTM clan, Bradley Smith was once again alone on the track as his teammate Pol Espargaro returned to Barcelona (Spain) to be examined following his violent fall during the warm-up. Remember that the brand’s development pilot, Mika Kallio, is also out of the game following a fall in Catalonia (Spain).

The HRC tests in all directions

The driving conditions being similar to Sunday (between 25 and 30 ° C in the air), the times quickly stalled in a low range, below the 1’56 mark. Marc Marquez, third Sunday behind the Ducatis, got everyone to agree with a lap of 1’55.209 at the very end of the day. 

It is difficult to be surprised by this performance as the Honda rider has, by his own admission, “shown wisdom” in the race in order to increase his lead in the championship (+ 49 pts over Rossi). The Spaniard had it under his elbow on Sunday, and demonstrates it on Monday by dominating the debates !

Like all the other riders, Marquez tested a new Michelin tire and various developments. As usual, the HRC had a lot of things to try, since Marquez says he has tested new things on each of his outings! The n ° 93 however remained discreet on the details of its modifications, in particular those released on this very black RCV which briefly entered the track. Probably the 2019 Honda…

"I am happy with the direction we are following and the work done", soberly commented the quadruple MotoGP world champion, who completed the trifle of 67 laps (the equivalent of three races in Brno!) And ahead of Johann Zarco by 0.133 dry. 

 Zarco is inserted between the two Honda 

Seventh in the race, Johann Zarco sets the second fastest time in these official "post-GP" practice in 1’55.342. The driver and his Tech3 team had nothing new to chew on – switching to KTM next year requires -, but focused on improving the sensations that Johann says he found on his M1. With success, visibly.

 10-19 - Czech Republic GP - Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight -

The n ° 5 precedes by 0.057 sec the second official Honda, Dani Pedrosa who finished the Czech Republic GP in eighth place, 7.479 sec behind the winner. The former future HRC pilot signs a good performance on Monday, but a little late…

Ducati refines

On the Ducati side, the roadmap for the day contained only frame and fairing comparisons. Remember that Dovizioso and Lorenzo – respectively 1st and 2nd of the Czech Republic GP – also released new aerodynamic appendages and a redesigned tank this weekend.

 10-19 - Czech Republic GP - Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight -

Danilo Petrucci and Jack Miller had nothing in particular to try, the Australian even being forced to quickly stop his day after a fall. Preferring not to use his second bike with a new one, the Australian only completed thirteen laps. 

Yamaha is looking for electronics

Valentino Rossi, 7th in this test at 0.709 sec, announced that he was impatiently awaiting these tests in Brno insofar as Yamaha was supposed to introduce important new features aimed at solving their grip concerns. Unfortunately, as in previous tests, the changes turned out to be less ambitious than hoped….

 10-19 - Czech Republic GP - Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight -

The Italian, fourth in the race, evokes at most slight advances in electronics, an area in which the M1 fishes compared to the Ducati and Honda. Recall that the n ° 46 is annoyed to see his employer stand still while he considers delivering the maximum: "I am very focused, I train hard and I am ready to win", impatiently the star of 39 years old, deprived of victory for over a year !

Massimo Meregalli, director of the official Yamaha team, gives a more optimistic assessment of this test: "It’s always good to test after the race, because it helps us to establish an immediate comparison and allows the riders to give feedback clear ", comments the Italian boss.

 10-19 - Czech Republic GP - Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight -

“We focused on the electronics today: that was our main focus in order to improve the handling of the bike, especially during the go-around. We also tried the new Michelin front tire and at the end of the day, we were able to test a new fairing ", details the manager.

"It’s a shame Maverick couldn’t join us, as we would have appreciated his contribution very much, but we also attach great importance to his well-being," says Meregalli, as a "crisis" shakes the official team due to the lack of elegance of the chief engineer of Viñales.

Aprilia and Suzuki at work

Finally, Aprilia took advantage of these tests to introduce a new carbon swingarm on its RS GP. This part is starting to become widespread in MotoGP, after having been seen for the first time on factory Honda after the GP Valencia 2017. It should be remembered that the prototypes of the premier class also use Ohlins carbon forks.

 10-19 - Czech Republic GP - Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight -

Suzuki had for its part requisitioned its three pilots: Andrea Iannone, Alex Rins and Sylvain Guintoli, who continues to brave the pain emitted by his two broken ribs! Rins focused on electronics and chassis upgrades, as did "Guinters". 

On the other hand, Iannone’s day was cut short following a crash on Turn 10, during which the Italian suffered a hard blow to the shoulder. All MotoGP riders are now heading to the Red Bull Ring, home to the Austrian GP at the end of the week.

Results and ranking of post-GP tests in Brno

10-19 - Czech Republic GP - Post-race test in Brno: Marquez sets the record straight -

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