The Qatar MotoGP Shakedown test – open to test riders, spies and riders from discounted maker Aprilia – is underway at Los Angeles.
The trip marks the first MotoGP lap for rookies Enea Bastianini, Luca Marini and Jorge Martin, as well as Cal Crutchlow’s first time as a Yamaha test rider, the Englishman sharing M1s with Japanese test riders Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Kohta Nozane.
Earlier today, Crutchlow warned that strong winds could hamper the operation of the trail and only three bikes have set lap time in the opening hour.
Cal Crutchlow in blue ahead of his debut as a Yamaha MotoGP test rider at the Qatar Shakedown test today. He warned that strong winds at Los Angeles could affect the amount of trail activity. We share bikes with Japanese test riders, so all use the same handlebar options etc. pic.twitter.com/db8xKLvByi
– Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP) March 5, 2021
The first official 2021 MotoGP test, which is open to all race riders, kicks off at the round on Saturday.
Tests take place from 2pm to 9pm daily …
| Qatar MotoGP Shakedown trial times – Friday (3pm) | ||||
| Pos | Rider | Nat | Team | Time |
| 1 | Takuya Tsuda | JPN | Suzuki Test Rider (GSX-RR) | 2m 4.440s |
| 2 | Yamaha test bikes 2 | Not applicable | Yamaha Test Cyclist (YZR-M1) | + 1.021s |
| 3 | Michele Pirro | ITA | Ducati Test Rider (GP21) | + 1.396s |
Qatar MotoGP official records:
Best Breast:
Marc Marquez Honda SPA 1m 53.380s (2019)
Fastest racing:
Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha SPA 1m 54.927s (2016)