MotoGP Valencia Testing Session For 2017 - All You Need To Know

The Valencia motorcycle testing for the upcoming 2017 MotoGP season has concluded at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. And the action has given us more reasons to admire the new artillery, apart from the extraordinary paints jobs that the new machines carry. The event is of great importance to the riders and the constructors alike. As the former gets the chance to experience the 2017 MotoGP machines for the first time, the latter acquires valuable feedback, before the season starts in three months’ time (*deep sigh*). Anyways, here’s all the dope from the proving ground!

Maverick Vinales Tops The Chart

The Spanish rider seemed quite comfortable in his first encounter with his 2017 Yamaha YZR-M1 after he made the switch from Suzuki. Vinales was able to lock the clock at a blistering 1’30.930, clinching the top spot and even surpassing his teammate Valentino Rossi, who finished second. 

Rossi Not Content With His Bike’s Performance

Despite registering a commendable second-fastest finish time, Rossi seemed quite bummed out with his updated M1’s performance. Though he was convinced that the new chassis was “good” than before, it was the motor that was not on par with his expectations. 

He expressed his findings saying, “Today wasn’t that bad, but I did my time with the old bike. Afterwards, we tried the new engine, and it’s not fantastic. I expected more. We haven’t improved a lot. It’s just the first version but we have to work. I expected better, but there hasn’t been a lot of difference.”

The Italian also crashed astride his new bike, which he explained was because of the harder front tyre that he used. The Doctor now looks forward to more testing rounds to improve on the bike and get to know it better.

Lorenzo’s Found A Sweet Machine

After his brilliant and climactic success at the Valencia GP astride his Yamaha YZR-M1, Lorenzo was equally blustery on his aphotic Ducati, with a third place finish. His Italian machine was doubtlessly fast and registered a top speed 10kmph faster than both Vinales and Rossi. Notably, with a time of 1’31.052 and more testing rounds to go, Lorenzo and his newfound team is sure to improve on the same.

Other Significant Finishes

Marq Marquez finished fourth with a best time of 1’31.102 and was followed by Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow in fifth (1’31.131) and sixth (1’31.156) respectively. Also making it to the top ten were Andrea Iannone, Scott Redding, Hector Barbera and Dani Pedrosa. 

The Crashes

The first testing round saw numerous crashes such as Rossi’s, from which he, fortunately, escaped unhurt. However, Sam Lowes – who was officially debuting in his first MotoGP class stride – wasn’t as fortunate with his Aprilia, and was taken to the hospital for a precautionary check-up after a crash.

With more testing rounds heading our way there's a lot left to discover of the new and improved capabilities of the 2017 MotoGP machines. So, hang tight and watch out for more!