MotoGP: Johann Zarco and Valentino Rossi favorites for Qatar podium

Ten days before the Qatar Grand Prix we still have time to pick our favorites. The winter testing sessions are over and judging by the latest times, the first lap podium could go to Yamaha Tech3 rider Johan Zarco.

After three days of testing in Qatar, we saw great determination from the French Zarco. To break Lorenzo’s record (1: 53: 927), he lapped 1: 54: 029, which was considered the record for the test. The second in the time table was Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha) with 0.247 seconds behind Zarco. There is no shortage of Ducati among the top three, Dovizioso was only 0.055 s ahead of Rossi for the third time.

British rider Cal Crutchlow was the fastest Honda rider with fourth time of 1.54.457. The LCR Honda rider showed impressive pace in pre-season testing and looks like a man on a mission for 2018. The Spaniard Maverick Vinales was right behind Crutchlow, 0.014 s behind.

Sixth place in the test went to Suzuki driver Andrea Iannone, followed by Marc Marquez, who was just 0.005 s behind. It looks good as the top ten drivers on the timesheet were under 1.54 laps. The test results make it harder to pinpoint who will take the win, but we hope the drivers will put on an exciting show on March 18th.

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