Qatar: MotoGP Post Testing & Pre-Race Report
The testing schedules for the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes have finally concluded. The testing ran through from the end of 2015 right up until the week before the Qatar Grand Prix. The riders have been working around the clock all winter long to ensure that their bikes and bodies are ready for the brutal terrain that awaits them. The journey through pain and pleasure is about to start!
This weeks press conference for the MotoGP riders will feature Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi for the first time since the famous Sepang incident and the final result at Valencia where Lorenzo was crowned World Champion. We are in for a treat with a season of new electronics, tyres and added technology for certain manufacturers. In addition to this, we are also set for some serious shake-ups between teammates! Maverick Vinales from Suzuki is ready to roar louder than ever and showcase his lion attacking abilities on the track. He was the fastest in multiple sessions of testing and it definitely made a few key riders gasp for air. During the Australian testing sessions, we heard Lorenzo making note that Maverick is fast and that he will be one to watch. This is a very interesting observation from the current World Champion.
The battle for all three categories will be close. The fierce competitiveness within every rider has been at an all time high and this will make for some exciting battles. Qatar is a track that can make or break you. Rossi and Lorenzo are feeling energised after the winter tests. Both riders were on the pace and feeling confident with the Michelin tyre and electronics. However, the race is very different to testing where the riders pump out the laps to determine where they can improve and how the bike is feeling. The first race will be a real determining factor as to the real potential and performance of the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 machines.
The Losail International circuit is 5.4 kilometres surrounded by artificial grass in order to combat the sand from the surrounding desert. High-speed corners, six left and ten right hand corners and the night time skies will challenge the riders mentally, physically and emotionally. Last year, Valentino Rossi started off strong winning the event followed by the Ducati riders of Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone. The cards will turn for 2016 and in whose favour… well we will have to wait and see.
Reigning Moto3 World Champion Danny Kent will have his work cut out for him as he makes the switch to Moto2. The competitive levels of the riders have increased and Johann Zarco who won last year is aiming to go back to back before taking the plunge to MotoGP in the near future. As for Moto3, the bar has been set and most teams are pretty close to one another. When the lights go out on race day the tension and energy of the fans, teams and riders will be electric. The battles between Lorenzo, Rossi, Marquez and Pedrosa are going to be incredible and when the rest of the field joins in…. an explosion of power, precision and passion.
