As the first day of testing got underway at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia it was Go & Fun Honda Gresini’s Alvaro Bautista who led the timesheets with a time of 2.00’848.
In second place was Aleix Espargaro who in the “Open” class have an option for a softer rear tyre, which Aleix managed to demonstrate today by showing his pace.
In third and just behind his brother was Pol Espargaro on his Tech3 Yamaha hoping his first season in the premier class will be a good experience he certainly shows he has the pace. Fourth spot was taken by Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso. Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo took fifth after the Spaniard developed a set-up for the Bridgestone rear tyre. As the only Repsol Honda rider present at the Sepang test Dani Pedrosa tested his chassis, but with fellow Spaniard and current MotoGP World Champion unable to attend the second pre-season test, having broken his leg in a dirt-bike training session last week. Three to four weeks recovery is needed. After completing 65 laps Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi was in seventh position.
LCR Honda rider Stefan Bradl who was working on braking, geometry and suspension claimed eight place. Pramac Racings Andrea Iannone was ninth, with Nicky Hayden completing the top ten. By Laura Turner
