Martin, Zarco ‘competitive’ but both suffer final day crashes at Mandalika

While both look competitive ahead of the 2022 MotoGP season opener in Qatar, Pramac Ducati riders Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco had a less than ideal final day of testing in Mandalika. 

Martin completed just 18 laps after a ‘small engine brake’ issue led to his crash, a fall that came whilst four tenths up on Pol Espargaro’s fastest time. 

Had Martin completed the lap then he would have become the first MotoGP rider to set a sub 1m 31s lap in Mandalika. 

However, it was not to be for the second-year rider who was then reduced to being a spectator for much of the day following further issues with his GP22 machine.

Still, Martin feels he and the team have figured out the best set-up ahead of next month’s season opener: "Yeah it’s been a pity for me today because riding just 15 laps in the last day of testing before Qatar is not easy," added Martin. 

"But yeah, I had this big crash when I was coming in hot, was up by four tenths. Finally, we found out that it was a small issue with the engine brake and that was a big part of the crash. 

"Afterwards, at the end of the day we wanted to make a long run but I couldn’t because we had some issues with the bike. 

"Anyway, I’m happy with the base set-up we found during these days and I’ve been working a lot with the team and we’ve found the best way to start in Qatar. I feel competitive to start the season."

While team-mate Zarco completed a whopping 82 laps - only Takaaki Nakagami managed to do more (91) - the French rider also suffered a crash. 

Zarco, who’s fall occurred whilst in the middle of a race simulation, cited an overheating front tyre in what were sweltering conditions as the main reason for his crash. 

"It was quite a hard day, but it was also a good day again. I’m surprised at the amount of laps I’m still doing," said the former two-time Moto2 champion. 

"I tried to get even more control. I had a small crash during a long run with used tyres as it was getting too hot and I think the front tyre was not working perfectly. 

"The lap time is not bad. It was only four tenths from the top lap time. Anyway, we knew it was always possible to do a good lap time and the biggest work is to find consistency to win races. 

"I tried my best today, we are still working on the set-up to feel more comfortable. I did some good training and I’m happy for this. Now we will keep focused and do the best training at home for Qatar."