Typically this time of year the Sepang Tests start counting down. The week in Malaysian, with both drivers and test drivers in action, marks the start of the upcoming season and consequently shows the work of the teams in winter.
Several new fairings or a new frame as well as the first chronometric feedback from the riders are expected. This time the tests won’t be held there, however, as COVID-19 was again successful to abandon Dorna’s plans and get her to postpone the February date on the Losail route to March.
This was a major blow to the drivers who were forced to stay in the pits and wait for the green light. But many certainly don’t want to just sit back and wait Maverick Vinales and Johann Zarco who decided to go to Jerez and take them Take part in the superbike tests scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
The Spanish Yamaha rider will take to the track with it R1, while the French driver of the Pramac team on the Panigale V4S. After all, given the regulation limiting the number of days of MotoGP testing, there was no other workable way forward. It will be interesting to see them compared to the derivatives in this unprecedented release. Michele Pirro will also accompany her on the route on the same bike as Zarco: “With Zarco and Vinales we do the road race“The driver from San Giovanni Rotondo told us jokingly over the last few days.
But there is one aspect that should be highlighted when talking about MotoGP. That is because we will see the Honda test team in action in Jerez with Stefan Bradl who will continue the work on behalf of HRC. The German test rider, who was charged with replacing an injured Marquez last season, will be there with the RC213V and, who knows if he can show off some innovations, ahead of his rivals Yamaha, Ducati and Suzuki.
We’ll find out on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. and of course we hope for a little help from the weather. So far rain is expected on both days.