MotoGP: Maverick Vinales ends the Jerez Test on top

Maverick Vinales completed a staggering 101 laps at Jerez today to end the one-day test at the top of the timesheets.

The Monster Energy Yamaha rider posted a fastest lap-time of 1:36.879 and spent most of the day working on his braking – an area in-which he struggled during yesterday’s Spanish Grand Prix. 

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In his post-test media session Vinales explained how he was working to gain a better understanding on how to brake later on the M1, whilst also searching for more confidence with the front tyre. Vinales believes that he was successful and found a better balance with his bike. 

Suzuki’s Alex Rins and Joan Mir were second and third respectively. Both riders were working on the 2022 engine which they first tried at the Qatar test earlier in the year. Mir was also working with a different geometry of the bike and worked to find a better feeling with the front end of the Suzuki.

Takaaki Nakagami and Johann Zarco completed the top five, ahead of Pol Espargaro on the Repsol Honda. Espargaro completed 89 laps as he looks to improve his understanding of the RC213V. The Spaniard did suffer a crash late in the day but was unharmed in the incident. 

Miguel Oliveira was seventh on the KTM RC16 and spent the majority of his day working on bike setup. The team are trying to adjust the bike in order to get a better feeling with the soft Michelin front tyre.

VR46 Academy members Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli and Francesco Bagnaia completed the top 10 today, whilst Brad Binder was only 0.008s behind in 11th. The South African was the last rider to return to his pit box today. Valentino Rossi was 12th after completing 73 laps.

Aleix Espargaro (14th) only completed 14 laps for Aprilia. The Spaniard suffered a crash at turn six this morning and did report that there was still oil on the track following Vinales’ oil leak. 

Marc Marquez packed up after only seven laps out on track and is likely to still be feeling the effects of his two crashes over the course of the race weekend. 

Fabio Quartararo did not take part in today’s test following his arm pump issues in yesterday’s race. Quartararo has returned to France for further checks.