#SEPANGTEST DAY1: DIGGIA BOUNCES BACK, ENEA IMMEDIATELY UP TO SPEED
It was the first official outing for Team Gresini Racing MotoGP as well as the maiden outing for both Fabio Di Giannantonio and Enea Bastianini aboard the Ducati Desmosedici machine at the Sepang International Circuit.
If on paper it is true that Rome-born Di Giannantonio had a three-day shakedown available before this test, a debilitating gastroenteritis prevented him from taking to the track in two out of three days earlier this week. The #49 rider showed up at the track 2kgs lighter, but still left a positive mark in this day one while giving important indications regarding his stamina. He completed more than 40 laps (already more than the overall number of laps in the first test) and a quickest lap-time of 2’00.047s, more than two seconds quicker than the one logged few days go.
Enea Bastianini did not waste any time and after only 23 he recorded an extremely competitive lap-time (1’58.638), only two tenths away from today’s quickest time set by Espargaró. The lap came with a medium tyre option as Bastianini was the quickest Ducati rider and only three tenths shy of the track record.
4th – ENEA BASTIANINI #23 – (1’58.638s – 44 laps)
“After two tests, one at Jerez and another at Sepang, I have a clearer idea about my bike. After only one day in Malaysia, I’m more aware of the Desmosedici’s potential. It’s more stable and you can hit the brakes a lot later. With the new rear tyre on, I can open the throttle much more aggressively compared to the 2019 bike. With the new engine, Sepang becomes a fantastic circuit, one where I can push really hard.”
20th – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 – (2’00.047s– 42 laps)
“The good news is that we’re back in shape. We needed it, because these past days have been tough. I’m quite happy with how today went: we lapped a lot and Sepang has always been a circuit that I like. It’s really crazy to lap here with the MotoGP: we had a good impression and we made quite a good step forward compared to few days ago. We’re working on the direction to follow together with Manuel (Poggiali) and my super team, as well as on some set-up changes to make.”
