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MotoGP, 2017 Sepang tests: Lorenzo and Ducati in a baptism of fire

One year ago the Majorcan was uncatchable on the Yamaha, one more rival for Rossi

2017 Sepang tests: Lorenzo and Ducati in a baptism of fire

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The fasting period is about to come to an end and the fans are thankful. In accordance with tradition, Malaysia will be the setting of the season opener for Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. The three days in Sepang, scheduled from Monday 30 January through Wednesday 1 February will provide the first verdict after the Valencia tests conducted in November. Will Lorenzo be competitive on the Ducati? Will Viñales ride his M1 ahead of Rossi’s? Will Marquez and Honda confirm the performance seen at the Ricardo Tormo? And what about Iannone on his Suzuki? Many questions are as yet unanswered.

Much of the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Jorge Lorenzo’s GP17. The characteristics of the track, with two long straights, are a strong point for the Ducati engine. The Majorcan himself set the time to beat one year ago at 1’59”580, the only rider able to beat the two minute mark, demonstrating great confidence on that occasion with the Michelin tyres, which proved later to be a two-edged sword for him. Compared with twelve months ago, this time the riders will need to reckon with an unknown factor, the new surface on the Sepang track, which created no small difficulties in November, especially in wet conditions.

Rolling back the tapes to last February, Danilo Petrucci put the second-best time on the sheets, just a half a second behind number 99. However, we must remember that the Pramac standard-bearer made his time with the supersoft tyre which Michelin later pulled after the frightening accident involving Loris Baz on the central straight.

This time there should not be any problems for Marc Marquez. It was right there in Malaysia, during the three-day event last January, where the Spaniard was forced to deal with the gap behind the leader that even went over the one second mark (+1.263). It was precisely at that moment that the Spaniard realized he would need to change his mentality. Eight months later, he was rewarded by the results with his fifth world title.

Of the many reasons for interest, there is also the new Yamaha duo. The Japanese manufacturer is definitely beginning the season with an advantage, since in November they were on the Sepang track for three days of private testing with Rossi and Viñales, along with the Tech3 standard-bearers, Zarco and Folger. The track is one where Rossi has always proven to be competitive, taking the fourth best time a year ago (+0.976) ahead of Marquez. On the other hand, the one who will be trying to find the right feeling will be Maverick Viñales. Astride his Suzuki, the Spaniard was forced to play catch-up in the first outing of 2016, even settling for the twelfth best time behind Pedrosa and Smith. This time, we are certain that he will find himself much farther forward. His performance in Valencia left little doubt, so Valentino has been warned.

And then there are some memories that never fade. This is the case for Andrea Dovizioso, who managed to take his first win astride a Ducati right here in Sepang. And to think that nine months earlier he had to deal with a gap behind the leader that exceeded two seconds. Alongside him was Andrea Iannone, now wearing Suzuki colours.

From the first event in Valencia, the rider from Vasto demonstrated that the bike change made no difference to him, so now we will wait for confirmation. Alex Rins will be back at Sepang, victim of the accident at the Ricardo Tormo that forced him to throw in the towel on the second day of tests, but there will also be an Aprilia capable of astonishing in the able hands of Aleix Espargarò, riding alongside rookie Sam Lowes in this 2017 season. One of the many news stories this year is KTM. This will be the first time ever on the Sepang track for the Austrian manufacturer with Smith and Pol Espargarò.

A week ahead of the event an appetizer will be served, with the team test riders on the track. There will be a full menu and obviously the cherry on the top will not be missing – Casey Stoner.       

Sepang Tests - Times 1-3 February 2015

Translated by Jonathan Blosser

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