Bagnaia's Experiment Results in New Record at Jerez
Motorbike setup experiments carried out by Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati resulted in a record lap time at Jerez.
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Ducati racer Francesco Bagnaia left the team garage during the MotoGP Grand Prix training session in Jerez, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain on Friday (26/4/2024).
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, FRIDAY — Francesco Bagnaia holds a MotoGP training session at Jerez, Friday (26/4/2024), as a test to test many motorbike settings to find a solution to the obstacles he experienced in Portimao and Austin.
The experiment bore fruit. The Ducati factory team racer set a lap time record in the practice session, 1 minute 36.025 seconds. This result is a strong asset for Bagnaia to maintain his dominance at Jerez, which he always wins in 2022 and 2023.
The record lap time broke Bagnaia's own record that he set in the 2022 season. This achievement was obtained through his hard work and Ducati's testing of various motorcycle settings to overcome the obstacles he faced in Portimao and Austin.
Also read: Bagnaia Traces the Path to Victory in Jerez
"Compared to Austin, I feel much better. Honestly, we planned this weekend as a test, and it has been successful compared to before," said Bagnaia to MotoGP.
"We tested more things than usual, and in the last part of the training session, I felt better with the used tire. We then used a new tire and were able to set a record (lap time), so I am very happy," continued Bagnaia.
Ducati racer Francesco Bagnaia performed during the first free practice session of the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez Circuit in Jerez de la Frontera on Friday (26/4/2024).
The racer nicknamed "Pecco" said that this weekend is still long, so it is necessary to stay grounded and continue working. According to him, they still have a margin even though they are already in a good position.
Regarding what he was tested on during the training session that allowed him to achieve a new lap record, Bagnaia declined to elaborate on it.
Also read: New Record Awaits Pedro Acosta in Jerez
"I cannot say that, there are far more things, we test far more things on the bike," said the Italian racer.
When pressed whether there were more changes to the motorbike than usual, he answered briefly. "Yes," he said, with a faint smile.
The Aprilia racer Maverick Vinales accelerated his motorcycle during the first free practice session of the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez circuit, Jerez de la Frontera, on Friday (26/4/2024).
The level appeared to be high as usual, but considering the number of turns we made with the tire, I am pleased. The pace was good with the used soft compound tire.
The defending MotoGP champion really needs a turning point in his performance because he is now in fifth place in the standings with 50 points. Bagnaia is 30 points behind Pramac Racing racer Jorge Martin at the top of the standings. Between Martin and Bagnaia there is Enea Bastianini in second place with 59 points, Maverick Vinales with 56 points, and Pedro Acosta who collected 54 points.
Also read: Marquez Goes to ”Ground Zero”
The potential competition this weekend will be fierce between Ducati riders and Aprilia, with Vinales in second place at the end of the practice session. The Aprilia factory team racer topped the time record before Pecco set the lap record. Vinales ended the training session in second place, 0.1 seconds behind Bagnaia.
The results achieved by Vinales confirm that his performance has been consistent since sweeping the results in Austin two weeks ago. In the American series race, Vinales achieved pole position, won the sprint and the main MotoGP race.
Bagnaia also assesses that the potential for competition will be tight at Jerez.
Pramac Racing rider Jorge Martin raced his motorcycle during the first free practice session of the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez circuit in Jerez de la Frontera on Friday (26/4/2024).
”It looks quite high level as usual, but considering the number of laps we did on the tyres, I'm happy. Pace is quite good with used soft compound tires. In my opinion, tomorrow's race will use soft compound tires. "We have to wait (race results) to find out the pace of each rider, but at the moment I'm happy," said Bagnaia.
Vinales fell at the beginning of the training session, but he considered it not a big problem, only because he passed a dirty part of the track. He is determined to regain a starting position in the front row of the qualifiers so that he has a great chance of winning the sprint and the main race.
Also read: 2024 MotoGP Guide
"I do not limit myself. I will try to do my best and see where we stand. But, if we have a good start, we will have a chance," said Vinales.
Vinales stated that aiming to be at the front row is the first target. "Then, making a good start like what we have done in some previous races," he added.
