Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), however, didn’t share the complaints of the factory riders. Second fastest in Buriram and happy with progress, the Frenchman’s form looks ominous. His teammate, meanwhile, Hafizh Syahrin – now confirmed as a full-time rider in 2018 – will be focused on more progress now the contract pressure is off. Impressing on his debut, the first ever Malaysian in MotoGP™ will have a unique focus: track time, track time, track time.
His fellow rookies, all with more miles under their belts, will also want more time on track as they prepare to go racing in the premier class for the first time, but refining setups and working towards the first race will be higher on their initial agendas. So far, Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) has been leading the way – tenth in Thailand and off to a flier. But EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider and reigning Moto2™ Champion Franco Morbidelli got closer in Sepang, and he’ll want to do the same again – with his teammate Tom Lüthi also pushing hard as he plays catch up after missing Valencia last season and sitting out a good portion of winter training through injury. Xavier Simeon at Reale Avintia Racing will also want to make a big step.
His teammate Tito Rabat has been impressive so far on his switch to Ducati, but the biggest mover up the timesheets in 2018 has been another moving to Borgo Panigale machinery: Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing). Miller was fast from the off in Valencia and has also improved upon that since – how much of his hand will he show as the grid start to get ready to race? And at a venue that’s traditionally a corker for Ducati?
Danilo Petrucci, Miller’s teammate, has also been a presence well felt – and after a number of podiums in 2017, will be wanting to attack from the first race of the year. Petrucci is on test duty for Ducati but will also be working on his own refinements ahead of the Qatar GP now – will he be able to mix it with his fellow top Independent Team riders like Zarco and Crutchlow?
Now Syahrin has been cast as the final player in 2018, the curtain will soon be going up. Three more days remain between testing and racing, so make sure to follow all the action from the #QatarTest on motogp.com from the 1st March between 13:00 and 21:00 local time (GMT +3).