He may have felt “like a rookie … restarting at [185mph]” in the morning, but Johann Zarco was buoyed by the potential of the LRC Honda after making his debut on the '18 spec RC213V at Phillip Island on Friday.
Johann Zarco has explained his decision to accept a stand in slot at LCR Honda for the final three MotoGP races of 2019 over a testing role with Yamaha, reasoning, “I want to be a top rider… Top riders need to race.”
Jorge Lorenzo was left incredulous by the latest round of rumours on his future, claiming they are “completely false” and this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island “is just a normal race.”
Marc Marquez expects Johann Zarco to use his three-race LCR Honda outing to demonstrate his ability to the MotoGP paddock after his nightmare split at Red Bull KTM but fears it will be difficult for the French rider.
The MotoGP action continues at double pace with the second leg of the triple-header at the iconic Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix where Valentino Rossi is ready to celebrate an incredible 400 th start.
Jorge Lorenzo is eager to use the same setup and older chassis with his Repsol Honda to see if the gains taken from the Japanese MotoGP last time out repeat at this weekend’s Australian round at the iconic Phillip Island.
Marc Marquez produces another dominant display to demonstrate his 2019 MotoGP world title credentials with victory at Honda’s home round to wrap up the world constructors’ championship.
Jorge Lorenzo feels the Japanese MotoGP acts as definite progress to his recent Repsol Honda struggles after his mid-season injury despite still failing to finish inside the points positions.
Cal Crutchlow feels fifth place at the Japanese MotoGP acted as his maximum for LCR Honda given his current battles with his 2019-specification RC213V. The British rider recorded his best result since Brno at Honda’s home event after having to manage his pace in the opening stages.
Marc Marquez may have looked in complete control on his way to victory at the Japanese MotoGP but he has admitted he was on the edge with his fuel consumption – having stopped on the cooldown lap for the second time this season.
Marquez takes his first-ever MotoGP pole position in Japan ahead of the Petronas Yamaha riders, during a qualifying session that saw slick tyres used on a damp Motegi track.
Cal Crutchlow has said he remains in the dark as to his potential in dry conditions at Motegi after he produced a remarkable turnaround on Saturday to qualify for the Japanese Grand Prix in fifth.
Despite securing a record-breaking pole position at Motegi, Marc Marquez is already expecting a difficult Japanese MotoGP after struggling with his Repsol Honda.
Marquez leads a damp final practice for the Japanese MotoGP, which saw riders switch from wets to slicks on the drying track. Rabat was absent after injuring his wrist this morning. Qualifying 1, for those outside the top ten after third free practice, will now get underway.