LORENZO DROPS A STUNNER IN PRE-SEASON TESTING
SEPANG: Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo became the fastest ever rider around the Sepang International Circuit track after posting a stunning 1:58.330 on the final day of pre-season MotoGP testing.
Lorenzo, into his second season with Ducati, dropped the stunner to surpass the previous best unofficial MotoGP lap time at Sepang of 1:58.867 set by Honda’s reigning world champion Marc Marquez of Spain in 2015.
Fellow countryman Maverick Vinales’ lap time of 1:59.355 that stood as the best effort from the opening two days did not remain the benchmark for long as Lorenzo posted a 1:59.186 just half an hour into the morning session.
Lorenzo lowered it to 1:58.830 later and remained on top for the remaining six hours as the premier class riders wrapped up their test programmes by focusing on long runs.
The Spaniard said the new bike was in general faster than the old one and suited his riding style.
“Normally, you need more time to improve the performance of the old one but this time all the riders who tried this bike improved the lap time, so this is a very good sign.
“This bike looks much closer to my natural style.
“We can open the throttle quicker, I can enter the corner with more confidence, I can lean a little bit more, so I’m very happy and satisfied,” said Lorenzo.
Honda rider Dani Pedrosa ended the day second with 1:59.009 while LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow of Britain made the top three with a 1:59.052.
Marquez placed seventh fastest for Honda with 1:59.382.
The 18-round world championship season begins in March at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.