Talyta França
After securing the best time on the Sepang Testing in Malaysia, the back-to-back world champion Pecco Bagnaia proved his hunger for a third world title by marking the spectacular time of 1m 50.95s, and holding the title of the fastest ever two-wheeled lap at Lusail Circuit.
The Italian led the Ducati team to the top of the Qatar Testing one more time after securing the fastest time on the first day, February 19, with 1m 52.04s. In an interview for MotoGP, Bagnaia spoke about his efforts that led to a better performance this season and his optimism over the team’s results. “We have improved our potential,” said Bagnaia.
Meanwhile, a new lap record emerged as the sun set in Lusail, when Italian VR46 Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi set a new fastest lap with a time of 1m 51.75s, putting down the previous record set by his compatriot Luca Marini, rider from Repsol Honda, at the 2023 MotoGP.
The intense night was also marked by crashes. The first of which saw Spanish Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro crash at turn five, riding off without injuries. Despite the small accident, the Spanish held the third fastest time of the night, behind Bagnaia with just +0.308s.
Along with Espargaro, the Gresini rider and six time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez crashed at turn four during the last 14 minutes of the Qatar Testing after a dispute on the track with the Spanish Red Bull GASGAS rider Pedro Acosta.
The last two minutes in the Circuit ended with two more collisions. The Repsol Honda rider Joan Mir, from Spain, went down on turn 13, while the French rider, Johann Zarco, went down on turn 17. Both riders left the track with no injuries.
The second and final day of the 2024 MotoGP Pre-Season Testing wrapped-up today after a six hours long action on the track of the Lusail International Circuit. The Testing started earlier this week as a preparation for the competition, set to begin on March 8th and finish with the Grand Prix final race on March 10.
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