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Le Mans will not be the next track where the MotoGP riders will be in action, or at least most of them. Before the French Grand Prix, in fact, tests are scheduled at Portimao, the new entry of the year and the circuit where the championship will end on 22 November.
However, the regulations do not allow riders to use their MotoGP bikes so, next Wednesday, they will be able to ride on the Portuguese track only with production bikes.
Many riders have accepted the invitation, including Valentino Rossi, who initially decided to organize a private day with his VR46 Riders Academy colleagues. Along with the Doctor, there will also be Maverick Vinales, while for Petronas Quartararo and Morbidelli will be absent.
The Ducati squad will be out in force, with Andrea Dovizioso, Pecco Bagnaia, Jack Miller and Johann Zarco all on the track with the Panigale V4R. Two riders for Honda, Nakagami and Alex Marquez, one for Suzuki, Joan Mir make up the numbers, while KTM will be able to count on Pol Espargarò, Brad Binder and local hero Miguel Oliveira. However, the Austrian manufacturer does not have a super sports bike in its catalogue, so its riders will be allowed to choose from the best of the competition. Curiosly enough, Pol will be on a Honda.
Of course, the MotoGP bikes will be on track (not only on October 7, but also on October 8) with the test riders. In Aprilia Bradley Smith (Wednesday) and Lorenzo Savadori (Thursday) will share the work, while Aleix Espargarò will only be on an RSV4 together with the other riders.
Portimao will also be an opportunity to see Jorge Lorenzo on the Yamaha side by side with his former rival Dani Pedrosa on the KTM. For Suzuki and Ducati there will be the two testing stalwarts Sylvain Guintoli and Michele Pirro, while Honda will be able to count on Stefan Bradl.
