2016 Jerez MotoGP FP2 Result: Lorenzo Reigns Over Marquez and Espargaro

By David Emmett | Fri, 22/04/2016 - 13:10

Jorge Lorenzo is showing ominous signs of the kind of domination he displayed in 2015, when he ruled the roost for four straight races on MotoGP's return to Europe. After being fastest in the morning session, Lorenzo extended his advantage to over a third of a second, the Movistar Yamaha rider setting a very strong pace.

Marc Marquez had been quick early, swapping places with Lorenzo, then taking over for most of the session. The Repsol Honda rider was knocked off top spot by Lorenzo in the final few minutes of the session. Aleix Espargaro also put in a late charge, the Suzuki rider climbing up to set the third fastest time, knocking Hector Barbera down a spot. The Avintia Ducati rider has had a very strong weekend so far, with a second and a fourth on the first day of practice.

Valentino Rossi was fifth fastest, but already nearly three quarters of a second down on his teammate, but just behind Hector Barbera. Maverick Viñales was sixth fastest, and the last rider to finish within a second of Lorenzo. Andrea Dovizioso was the first factory Ducati, but only just ahead of Scott Redding on the Pramac and an impressive showing by Eugene Laverty on the Aspar GP14.2.

MotoGP FP2 also saw a spate of wings breaking out. Aleix Espargaro decided not to wait until Monday to try Suzuki's new winglets, while both Aprilias sprouted a large set of wings at the front of the fairing. All five manufacturers now feature winglets, all in the same place, just under the nose fairing. Winglets are now here to stay. 

Results:

Pos No. Rider Bike Time Diff Diff Previous
1 99 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1'39.555    
2 93 Marc Marquez Honda 1'39.900 0.345 0.345
3 41 Aleix Espargaro Suzuki 1'40.093 0.538 0.193
4 8 Hector Barbera Ducati 1'40.229 0.674 0.136
5 46 Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1'40.282 0.727 0.053
6 25 Maverick Viñales Suzuki 1'40.448 0.893 0.166
7 4 Andrea Dovizioso Ducati 1'40.737 1.182 0.289
8 45 Scott Redding Ducati 1'40.860 1.305 0.123
9 26 Dani Pedrosa Honda 1'40.925 1.370 0.065
10 50 Eugene Laverty Ducati 1'40.925 1.370  
11 29 Andrea Iannone Ducati 1'41.017 1.462 0.092
12 68 Yonny Hernandez Ducati 1'41.028 1.473 0.011
13 35 Cal Crutchlow Honda 1'41.112 1.557 0.084
14 44 Pol Espargaro Yamaha 1'41.167 1.612 0.055
15 6 Stefan Bradl Aprilia 1'41.178 1.623 0.011
16 38 Bradley Smith Yamaha 1'41.287 1.732 0.109
17 76 Loris Baz Ducati 1'41.320 1.765 0.033
18 19 Alvaro Bautista Aprilia 1'41.573 2.018 0.253
19 51 Michele Pirro Ducati 1'41.841 2.286 0.268
20 43 Jack Miller Honda 1'41.904 2.349 0.063
21 53 Tito Rabat Honda 1'42.230 2.675 0.326

 

2016
4
MotoGP
Jerez, Spain
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Comments

While I think aero downforce is the wrong cul-de-sac for MotoGP to go down, handing the factories another costly advantage over independent teams, it does raise an interesting technical question. Are the wings a direct response to the characteristics of the Michelin tires?

I noticed Jorge put on a fresh set before his final run. A few races ago I remember commentary talking about the Michelins and they we're saying fresh tyres aren't necessarily what you will get your best time on. That you would get better performance with a slightly scrubbed in set. I think it was Qatar because there we're questions pre race as to if Jorge could run away at the start of the race like managed to on the bridgstones. I guess my question is is that still a thing? And how much if any would that have affected jorges last run as he posted his quickest time on the first flying lap with the new tyres.

I'm loving it. Bring on the wings! The more the merrier. This is going to be a litmus test for Dorna. Let's hope they do the sensible thing and not kneejerk this decision.

Is this the start of Red Bulls takeover of drink sponsorship for the entire grid...... You know........ Red Bull gives you wings.........

Yes that's a very bad joke......

Dear DORNA please get rid of them before someone gets sliced and diced.