Gear Up for Qatar GP: Who's on Top Form?
Alright, racing enthusiasts, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the recent pre-season testing in Lusail and figure out who's bringing their A-game to the table ahead of the Qatar GP. The 2024 MotoGP™ season is knocking on our doors, and among the plethora of test data, the long-run pace analysis from the Qatar Test has caught our attention.
Not everyone went for the long haul, but those who did, strung together at least seven laps, giving us a sneak peek into their readiness for the Tissot Sprints and races on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The Dynamic Duo: Bagnaia and Espargaro
- Best: Bagnaia 1:51.850, Espargaro 1:51.931
- Average: Bagnaia 1:52.430, Espargaro 1:52.106
- No. of laps: Both completed 7
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) may not have a massive sample size, but their short stints were nothing short of impressive. Bagnaia's 1:53.262 showcased his prowess, while Espargaro displayed fantastic consistency in the high 1:51s and low 1:52s.
If we're making bold predictions, Ducati and Aprilia might just be the ones to watch in the Tissot Sprint.
Binder's Marathon: 22 Laps of Consistency
- Best: Binder 1:52.859
- Average: Binder 1:53.224
- No. of laps: A whopping 22
Brad Binder from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing completed a race-distance effort with impressive consistency. The South African's mix of high 1:52s and low 1:53s throughout the 22-lap stint makes him a notable contender.
The Endurance Club: Viñales, Nakagami, Alex Marquez, Acosta & Marini
- Best: Viñales 1:52.710, Nakagami 1:53.197, Alex Marquez 1:52.843, Acosta 1:53.187, Marini 1:53.679
- Average: Respectively - 1:53.322, 1:53.544, 1:53.693, 1:53.710, 1:53.840
- No. of laps: Viñales 17, Nakagami 14, Alex Marquez 18, Acosta 18, Marini 14
Alex Marquez and rookie Pedro Acosta nearly hit the full race distance mark, and Acosta's pace aligning with Marquez's is a promising sign for the #31 newcomer. Viñales showcased impressive consistency with nine 1:52s in his run, indicating good form for the Aprilia riders.
Takaaki Nakagami's 14-lap outing was notable, confirming Honda's progress from 2023 to 2024, while Luca Marini's steady pace suggests the RC213V might be kind to its tyres.
Fast, But Not Quite the Fastest: Di Giannantonio, Bastianini, Bezzecchi & Quartararo
- Best: Di Giannantonio 1:52.320, Bastianini 1:52.016, Bezzecchi 1:52.575, Quartararo 1:52.551
- Average: Respectively - 1:52.533, 1:52.541, 1:52.951, 1:53.042
- No. of laps: Di Giannantonio 11, Bastianini 10, Bezzecchi 9, Quartararo 10
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) is making waves, with seven laps below the 1:52.5 marker. Enea Bastianini's pace mirrors Di Giannantonio's, hinting at a strong comeback, while Marco Bezzecchi is just a step behind.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ is focusing on tyre strategies, but Fabio Quartararo's laps showcase a decent run with room for improvement.
Take it with a Pinch of Salt: Conclusion and Expectations
Lap times analysis is intriguing, but remember, the real deal is the racing itself. As we gear up for Round 1 under the Lusail lights from March 8th to 10th, expectations are high, but anything can happen on the track. Testing is one thing, racing is a different ball game, and we're eagerly awaiting the Qatar Grand Prix spectacle! 🏍️🌙🏁 #MotoGP #QatarGP #RacingInsights
