Ducati dominates both MotoGP test days in Austria

Over two days we watched the MotoGP riders testing at the Austrian Circuit, undoubtedly a good tune-up and preparation for getting acquainted with this very interesting layout, with the Ducati riders being the major dominators of both days.

On both days we had perfect conditions for the teams and riders to work on their respective machines. Work was also done on the Michelin tyres and their conditioning for each brand and fitment for the upcoming races on the calendar.

It was also a good first contact, considering that the next Austrian Grand Prix on August 14 will be one of the novelties of the year. The absentees from the test were Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team), Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team), Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Pol Espargaró (Monster Yamaha Tech 3).

Of those present, we saw Andrea Iannone being the best, all after using the new chassis he debuted on Tuesday. His teammate Andrea Dovizioso had already used this chassis at the Assen Grand Prix and presented himself as the only rider capable of keeping up with Iannone’s pace during the test days. The third spot was also occupied by a Ducati rider, as Casey Stoner, present in his role as test rider for the Italian factory, finished the day in third position.

The three Ducati riders were the only ones to go below the 1:24 barrier, and behind them was Héctor Barberá, also at the controls of a Ducati, specifically the GP14.2 model, continuing the good form shown in Germany and staying in the front positions. The first Yamaha rider was Valentino Rossi, working mainly on the setup for the next event. Behind him was Jorge Lorenzo, who is working to return to the path of results.

Maverick Viñales ended the day as the Suzuki fastest, with Aleix Espargaró just behind, so a similar rhythm between the two. Alongside Mika Kallio and Thomas Lüthi, who were already riding on the first day, Alex Hofmann also appeared, the one in charge of working on the KTM, with his development of the RC16 ahead of its world championship debut in Valencia at the end of this season.

Now vacation.

Photo | MotoGP Official website