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The first Shakedown Test day ended in the name of KTM, with 3 Austrian bikes ahead of everyone at the end of the test day. The “old” samurai, Dani Pedrosa, didn’t lose his shine and placed first, thanks to a time of 1’59”233. If the speed of the rider from Sabadell is no surprise, the young Acosta was convincing, as he constantly progressed throughout the day. At 6 pm, Pedro’s name was in 2nd place in the standings, just 0”152 behind Pedrosa.
The rookie is gradually learning the secrets of the MotoGP and was able to end the day ahead of a more experienced Espargarò. It was Pol’s first official start in his role as tester, and he reached a 3rd time, just 0”182 away from Dani.
The 4th time trial, on the other hand, was Stefan Bradl’s on the Honda. The German tester took several aerodynamic innovations on the RC213V to the track (see HERE) and finished 0”627 from the best time of the day. Michele Pirro also worked a lot on the GP24 (but with nothing seemingly new, at least for today). However, the Ducati tester also had to deal with fewer tires compared to that of his colleagues, as the new concessions require. He surely didn’t seek a time and stopped at 1”633 from Pedrosa. A lot of work and not many fireworks for Cal Crtutchlow either, who came in 6th at 1”780 from the top.
Lorenzo Savadori tested an unprecedented aerodynamics on his RS-GP, which made it resemble a ... BatMobile on two wheels (photos HERE). The Aprilia tester was far from the times of the top riders (2”576), but he alternated on 5 different bikes.
Even if the Honda and Yamaha riders were supposed to participate in the Shakedown, they decided not to today. Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins were busy with photo shoots for the team presentation, which will be held here in Sepang on Monday. Luca Marini and Joan Mir were nowhere in sight on the circuit.
THE TIMES
