2024 has commenced, making a stylish entrance in Valencia.
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Wednesday, 29 November 2023
The dawn of 2024 has ushered in a flurry of noteworthy events in the motorsports realm. Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales clinched the top spot in the Valencia Test, clocking an impressive 1:29.253. However, the spotlight of the day belongs to Marc Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP™, who, in his debut as a Ducati rider, secured the fourth position. Viñales led the pack, with Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing securing the second spot, and Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing Team coming in third.
Despite being 0.171 seconds behind the leader, Marquez was merely 0.078 seconds away from claiming the title of the fastest Borgo Panigale machine on the timesheets, at times even surpassing this feat in the afternoon session.
In addition to these highlights, the MotoGP™ debut of Pedro Acosta from GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 was particularly noteworthy. As we delve into the crucial events at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo on Tuesday, let’s explore the key talking points associated with each factory.
Aprilia Racing faced a testing day at the Valencia Test as Aleix Espargaro, sidelined due to an exacerbated injury sustained in Qatar, had to abstain from most of the day’s proceedings. With Espargaro’s absence, the onus fell on Viñales to carry the team forward. Notably, the Noale team introduced a new swingarm during the Valencia Test, and Raul Fernandez seized the opportunity to experience the 2023 RS-GP for the first time. Fernandez showcased impressive performance throughout the day, consistently securing a position within the top five and briefly leading the pack.
As the day concluded, Viñales claimed the first position, completing an impressive 86 laps, the highest among all participants. Raul Fernandez secured fourth place. Despite Espargaro’s setback, the team demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The extensive track time proved invaluable, providing crucial data for Aprilia as they prepare to unveil their comprehensive 2024 package at the Sepang Test in February. The team’s efforts at Valencia underscored their commitment to overcoming challenges and refining their competitive edge.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing/GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3
Wearing the iconic red of GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 for the first time, Moto2™ World Champion Pedro Acosta, adorned with the #31, eagerly stepped into the MotoGP™ arena, showcasing his much-anticipated debut. Armed with 2023-spec RC16s, the 19-year-old Spaniard impressed onlookers with a remarkable performance, finishing the test just 1.2 seconds behind the leader. Despite a minor setback with a small crash at Turn 2 with 30 minutes remaining, both Acosta and GASGAS remain undeterred.
Although not on the 2024 bike, Brad Binder, representing the fastest Austrian machine, secured the second position with a time set in the final 10 minutes of the test. However, his subsequent crash at Turn 5 tarnished an otherwise promising performance, leaving KTM with insights as they approach a crucial winter period, aware that minor adjustments could prove pivotal in their 2024 title pursuit.
Teammate Augusto Fernandez secured the 14th position after completing an impressive 72 laps. Another highlight from the Austrian camp was Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who navigated a zebra-camouflaged KTM featuring new aerodynamics and an air intake. Despite a remarkable save at Turn 2, Miller broke into the top 10 for the first time on the new bike, finishing in 9th place after completing 62 laps.
Mooney VR46 Racing Team, Gresini Racing MotoGP™, Ducati Lenovo Team, Prima Pramac Racing
Turning attention to the reigning World Champion constructor, Marc Marquez wasted no time in making his presence felt on Ducati’s 2023-spec Desmosedici. The smile on the #93’s face after his inaugural outing spoke volumes about his satisfaction. Indeed, Marquez’s debut on the new bike showed early promise, with the legendary rider quickly challenging the top of the timesheets.
The spotlight also shone on the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, Gresini Racing MotoGP™, and Ducati Lenovo Team during the test. The Ducati riders demonstrated their prowess, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
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Marc Marquez took charge in the final 90 minutes of the day, briefly securing the top spot with a time of 1:29.460, 0.250s faster than anyone else. However, Maverick Viñales altered the dynamics with just over an hour remaining. Despite concluding his day prematurely, Marquez completed 49 laps ahead of the winter break, finishing the Valencia Test 0.171s behind the leader.
Ducati Lenovo Team’s World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia, alongside teammates Enea Bastianini and Jorge Martin, experimented with a new chassis, with Martin encountering two unexpected crashes. Pecco, testing a new engine, secured P10, while Bastianini and Martin claimed P8 and P15, respectively, after the day’s testing.
Mooney VR46 Racing Team saw 2023’s bronze medallist, Marco Bezzecchi, and new teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio familiarizing themselves with the 2023-spec Ducati for the first time. Di Giannantonio expressed satisfaction, finishing P7, just 0.4s behind the leader.
Gresini Racing MotoGP™’s Alex Marquez, with both 2023 and 2022 Ducatis at his disposal, highlighted the significant changes in the ’23 version and noted improvements in engine performance.
Notably, Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) embarked on his MotoGP™ journey with Johann Zarco’s 2023 bikes, featuring an updated tail unit and aero. Morbidelli finished P16.
Repsol Honda, CASTROL Honda LCR, IDEMITSU Honda LCR ushered in a new era with Luca Marini joining the Repsol Honda Team alongside Joan Mir. The team introduced the 2024 RC213V, a fully updated motorcycle with new components. Mir expressed satisfaction with the progress, acknowledging the positive differences from the 2023 bike.
Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) tested both 2024 and 2023-spec bikes, finishing P17 after a crash. Teammate Takaaki Nakagami completed 63 laps, securing P21.
In the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ garage, Alex Rins joined Fabio Quartararo, both working with Yamaha’s longer dual exhausts. Quartararo finished P12, while Rins and Cal Crutchlow claimed P19 and P20, respectively. Crutchlow hinted at potential wildcards for 2024.
With the conclusion of the Valencia Test, MotoGP™ gears up for the 2024 season, promising an exciting 75th-anniversary edition. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds.
Images Official MotoGP Press Release
