The 2024 MotoGP season kicked off this Tuesday with tests in Valencia. Maverick Viñales was the fastest on a day where there were several new developments both in terms of bikes and riders debuting for new teams.
With 86 laps, Viñales was the one who covered the most kilometers, adding to that the best time: 1m29.253s. In second place was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM), who improved on his final lap to finish just 28 thousandths behind. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team/Ducati) was third, 93 thousandths off the pace.
Many eyes were on Marc Márquez during this day of testing. The rider debuted with Gresini and on a Ducati, appearing to have adapted well: he led at one point and finished with the fourth fastest time, 0.171s off the top. Raúl Fernández followed, riding for Aprilia while there are no updates on the manufacturer’s satellite team from Noale.
But further down, Fabio Di Giannantonio had his first contact with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team and finished in seventh, while Luca Marini debuted for Repsol Honda with a tenth place – just ahead of two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati). The #10 was indeed the best Honda rider on a day when the manufacturer presented a very different version of the bike. Franco Morbidelli had his first day with Prima Pramac and on a Ducati, finishing 16th just 0.054s behind teammate and vice-champion Jorge Martín. In 17th was Johann Zarco, who started working with Honda LCR. Rookie Pedro Acosta (GasGas Tech3/KTM) secured the 18th position with his final lap. The Spaniard even suffered a crash in the last half hour, but without major consequences. Álex Rins, for the first time with Monster Energy Yamaha, ended up in 19th place.
