The 2022 MotoGP season is officially launched

Just days after the conclusion of the 2021 season in Valencia, the drivers MotoGP met for the first of two days of official testing organized in Jerez, Spain. For the six manufacturers involved, these tests are essential since they allow them to define the next steps to follow in the development of their machine before the Sepang test in February.

Some new features were seen notably at Honda which, in the absence of Marc Marquez, who is convalescing, is continuing the development of the 213 RC2022V unveiled at the Misano test. Takaaki Nakagami, who was the fastest of the day with a lap of 1'37.313, among other things debuted a different aerodynamic fairing. At Ducati, Pecco Bagnaia evaluated a longer exhaust and it seems that a new front holeshot device has appeared. Johann Zarco, second in the session, and Enea Bastianini, riding a GP21, however finished ahead of the vice-world champion, ranked fourth.

“I honestly expected better” – fabio quartararo

On the Yamaha side, nothing grandiose to report compared to the test in Misano. A more powerful engine was supposed to fit the new chassis, but it didn't. “We tested a bike similar to the one in the Misano tests,” said Fabio Quartararo, ninth on the first day. We tried a new swingarm and some electronics stuff for the anti-wheelie. Maybe they (Yamaha) are saving the best for Sepang. » A touch of disappointment reigned in the words of the world champion. “I honestly expected better,” he slipped. I've been working on the bike for a while, I'm giving my all and I'm sure that's the case for Yamaha too, but it's true that I expected better from this first day. I hope that tomorrow I will be able to say the opposite. »

In the KTM clan, Mika Kallio, development rider for the Austrian firm, tested a new fairing on the RC16. But it was especially the two rookies from the Tech3 team who caught the attention. Remy Gardner and his teammate Raul Fernandez spent the day taking charge of their mount. “The straight seems shorter,” smiled Gardner. I have to adapt my trajectories and the braking marks have changed. I still have a lot to learn. »

Here’s your making-of that picture from yesterday 😅🙈#KTM # Tech3 #MotoGP #Tech3KTMFactoryRacing @MotoGP # RF25 #RG87 # 2022Loading @GardnerRemy @ 25RaulFernandez pic.twitter.com/qhlQ3grHmg

- Tech3 Racing (@ Tech3Racing) November 18, 2021

The Australian, who has already had a glimpse of the RC16 at the Misano tests, admits that it is the electronics which pose the most difficulties for him at the moment. “It's difficult to describe how I feel to engineers and to know if we are in the right direction. » And on his physical condition, the Moto2 world champion added: “Of course, the braking is more incisive, but there is also the acceleration during which you have to hold the bike to avoid wheelies. The more I ride, the more relaxed I will be. »

On the Aprilia side, Maverick Viñales, Aleix Espargaro and Lorenzo Savadori tried a new SC-Project exhaust, against Akrapovic so far, as well as a fairing with less imposing fins.

A few falls were to be deplored this Thursday such as those of Savadori at the first turn in the middle of the day or of Aleix Espargaro near turn 3. Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli also made mistakes during the afternoon.

Ranking Day 1