The three days of work in Malaysia ended with Fabio Di Giannantonio in P8 and Marco Bezzecchi in P15
Sepang (Malaysia), February 8th 2024 – First track event of the 2024 season on file for the newly formed Pertamina VR46 Racing Team at Sepang where the first official MotoGP testing session has ended today. Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi, riding the Ducati Fluo Stream, close in the slip stream of the strongest guys, respectively in P8 and P15 in the three-day combined standings.
55 laps today for Fabio who further improves his lap time. In the morning, he sets a good 1'57.343 and then dedicates himself to a more than positive and convincing Sprint race simulation in the afternoon. A small crash at turn 9 before lunch, without consequences, and then his thoughts to the next test in Qatar in less then two weeks (19-20 February next).
Fair result for Marco, who is unable to go beyond yesterday's 1'57.867. He completed 56 laps and gave up the flying lap attempt to concentrate himself on the setting of the bike. He also suffered a small crash at the end of the day at turn 5.
MARCO BEZZECCHI - 72
We close this first testing session with a complicated day. We had a small problem with the bike and we opted not to attempt the time attack. I preferred to work further on the riding style, I'm struggling a bit. The bike is very fast, but I'm not comfortable yet, I have to adapt myself and this still takes some time. When braking and accelerating, the sensations are different compared to the GP22. I haven't yet managed to take the package to the limit, which is the reason that pushed us to continue step by step and wait for the flying lap and the simulation.
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO - 49
I return to Italy with a smile, if I had to give a grade to this test, I would say 9 out of 10. The feeling was good, even the time attack wasn't bad. It was really fun this morning, but the thing that energizes me the most is the result and the sensations during this afternoon's simulation, when it was really hot. We were fast, all the signs are positive. The GP23 is much more powerful, also in terms of traction and has a different confidence on the front. I'm tired, physically I need to recover a bit, but I can't wait to get back on track in Qatar.
