Suzuki Team Testing With MotoGP Field Today

Randy de Puniet of the Suzuki Test Team joined the full-time riders on track as the Japanese factory continues to develop their MotoGP project ahead of a planned return next year. Suzuki will be testing alongside the current field to gauge their progress, with De Puniet having undertaken extensive tests in both Japan and Australia with the bike. De Puniet tried a new engine and will continue his work at the track over the next two days. Suzuki is also focusing on chassis development and software evolution as they aim to find a suitable setup for racing at this circuit before they return to full competition next season.

Ducati is testing with Cal Crutchlow, Andrea Dovizioso, Andrea Iannone (Pramac Racing) and test rider Michele Pirro with a focus on upgrades to the Desmosedici. Both Ducati and Suzuki are scheduled to continue testing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi worked on a new 2015 specification engine and tried a new Akrapovic exhaust system on their factory Yamaha YZR-M1, with the Italian and Spaniard posting laps respectively three and nine tenths of a second slower than Marquez’s 1’41.184 time. Rossi is also using the test day to improve his performance in qualifying which has been a weak point, while teammate Lorenzo is focusing on corner entry and braking improvements. The Yamaha Team is set to move on later in the week to privately test at MotorLand Aragon.

Marc Marquez worked with his Repsol Honda Team on electronics and mapping settings with the approaching visits to Assen and the Sachsenring in mind. Like most of the riders present, the World Champion also tried a new Bridgestone front tire with an updated composition which may be introduced later in the season. Marquez also tested a new Öhlins fork.

Marquez was fastest for the day with a lap time of 1’41.184 (just 0.049 off his qualifying time from Saturday) on lap 45 of 46; Pedrosa finished the day seventh with a time of 1’41.969 on lap 18 of 61.

Stefan Bradl worked on suspension geometry and electronics tweaks, while Alvaro Bautista wrapped up early after brake and suspension tests, still feeling the effects of his big crash on Saturday.

On the other side of the GO&FUN Honda Gresini garage, Scott Redding was testing new geometry settings. He and the rest of the Open riders had new Magneti Marelli software to try out.

The test day started with the riders carrying out a 30-minute test of the shorter track loop at Turn 10, with the purpose of assessing whether its use could potentially enhance safety in the future. The riders will provide formal feedback on the trial to the Grand Prix Safety Commission at the next event in Assen.