JAKARTA - A number of MotoGP riders feel confident in facing the inaugural race of the 2023 season. Optimistic is getting hotter after undergoing a pre-season test session at the Portimao Circuit, Portugal, which will be the opening series venue.
The 2022 MotoGP world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, became the rider who dominated the Portimao test last weekend. The result made him feel better during the race later.
"I'm very happy. I feel fine in this five-day test," Bagnaia said.
In the pre-season test session ahead of the inaugural race, the Italian racer recorded the fastest time right in front of Johann Zarco (Pramac Ducati) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Yamaha Racing MotoGP).
In fact, Bagnaia became the only driver in the test result who recorded a time of 1 minute 38 seconds. His torehan also broke the lap record he made in 2021.
"We are ready for the first (Grand Prix) race (in Portugal). We must continue (maintaining performance) like this," Bagnaia said, quoted from AFP via Antara, Monday, March 13.
Meanwhile, Quartararo had a disappointing Saturday at Portimao. He only finished eighth.
However, he made a big improvement the next day. "It's a big improvement. I'm quite happy. There are still a few things to fix, but we've made big steps from yesterday and from Sepang," said the Yamaha rider.
Furthermore, Italian racer Luca Marini (Ducati-VR46), who became the fastest racer in Sepang, was in fourth best place for two days at Portimao. He also finished in first place on the first day.
On the other hand, six-time world champion Marc Marquez (Honda), whose last three seasons have been repeatedly interrupted by injury and surgery, could only record the 14th fastest time, or 0.810 seconds adrift of Bagnaia.
"I want to be optimistic, but I can't be super optimistic. We're still far away (behind)," said the Spaniard.
The Portimao Circuit in South Portugal will host the first Grand Prix season 2023 replacing the Losail Circuit, Qatar. The series of races will be held on March 24-26.
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