Tatsuki Suzuki snatched up pole position with record pace as the grand prix season got back on track in qualifying for round 2 of the world championship in Jerez
Four rounds into the 2018 MotoGP season and the top Yamaha rider is second in the world championship, with two podiums and one pole position. But that rider isn't Valentino Rossi or factory Yamaha team-mate Maverick Vinales.
Aleix Espargaro's home Spanish MotoGP lasted just five corners before his Aprilia suffered a major technical problem for the third time in this season's four races.
It was a bittersweet post-race MotoGP test for Tito Rabat at Jerez, the Avintia Ducati rider improving both his qualifying and race pace, but knowing 'the test doesn't count' for points.
Cal Crutchlow finished Monday's official Jerez MotoGP test a close second fastest to Johann Zarco. But that was of no consolation given his fall in the race and the LCR Honda rider, on pole in Spain, is still seeking greater rear grip from the RC213V.
Dani Pedrosa defied the pain from his massive Sunday's highside to deliver 75 testing laps of the same Jerez circuit on Monday, the equivalent of three MotoGP race distances.
Having looked longingly across the KTM garage as test rider Mika Kallio gave the '2019 prototype' it's grand prix debut at Jerez, Pol Espargaro was all smiles after getting back on the machine during the Monday test.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, most riders returned to Jerez for a day of official testing. Zarco set the pace from shortly after midday. Tech3 team-mate Syahrin did not take part after his recent cycling injuries, but Pedrosa was back on track after Sunday's big highside.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, most riders are back on track at Jerez for a day of official testing. The Ducati and Aprilia factory teams are not present as they head for a private test at Mugello instead.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, most riders are back on track at Jerez for a day of official testing. The Ducati and Aprilia factory teams are not present as they head for a private test at Mugello instead.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, most riders are back on track at Jerez for a day of official testing. The Ducati and Aprilia factory teams are not present as they head for a private test at Mugello instead.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, most riders are back on track at Jerez for a day of official testing. The Ducati and Aprilia factory teams are not present as they head for a private test at Mugello instead.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, most riders are due back on track at Jerez for a day of official testing. The Ducati and Aprilia factory teams are not present as they head for a private test at Mugello instead.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, most riders are due on track at Jerez for a day of official testing. The Ducati and Aprilia factory teams are not present as they head for a private test at Mugello instead.
Following Sunday's Spanish MotoGP, 19 riders are due on track at Jerez for a day of official testing. The Ducati and Aprilia factory teams are not present as they head for a private test at Mugello instead.
Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso were wiped out in a shocking chain reaction while battling for second place in Sunday's Spanish MotoGP at Jerez.