Francesco Bagnaia fastest in Portimao tests, Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo in top 3
Faster in 2022, Francesco Bagnaia seems to be still so in 2023. like saturdaythe reigning world champion set the fastest time in the Portimao tests this Sunday, completing a lap in 1’38″154, the best mark ever on the circuit. The very one that will host the first Grand Prix of the MotoGP season, on March 26.
The Ducati confirmed their form of the day before by placing seven motorcycles in the first eight places. Johann Zarco followed the movement by posting a good progression, passing on his Pramac from 13th to 2nd position, 0’296 from Bagnaia. Enough to validate his roadmap: put everything in place during the tests before concentrating on the stopwatch on the last day.
The Aprilias in retreat
Flamboyant on Saturday, the Aprilias were slightly behind, with the best representative Aleix Espargaro, author of the 10th time. But the main change is embodied in Fabio Quartararo, losing feeling the day before (8th) and who won 3rd place on Sunday.
Returning to old settings, the Frenchman, who finished 0’334 from Bagnaia, could only appreciate the leap forward. “We are in a better position, it is good to see that we have improvednoted the 2021 world champion. We are still not where we want to be and there are a few things missing in the feeling, but the progress is important. I hope this will help us. »
For Marc Marquez, progress is still pending. The Honda rider finished 14th, just behind his new teammate Joan Mir.
