Prior to the upcoming MotoGP pre-season tests at Sepang, the VR46 Riders Academy riders participated in two days of exclusive testing on road bikes at the Mandalika circuit, supported by their sponsor, Pertamina. Valentino Rossi joined his young proteges to familiarize himself with the Indonesian track, which joined the MotoGP calendar after his retirement at the end of 2021.
Rossi’s Performance and Equipment Choices During the Testing
While most riders from the academy tested on Ducati Panigale motorcycles, Marco Bezzecchi opted for an Aprilia RSV4 1100, and Luca Marini rode a Honda CBR1000RR-R. Rossi stood out by riding the Yamaha R1 GYTR, showcasing his presence and skill on a different machine than his protégés.
Lap Times Show Rossi Closing the Gap to MotoGP Leaders
Times published by GP Racing Indonesia reveal that on the first day, Rossi finished 2.3 seconds slower than Francesco Bagnaia’s benchmark lap of 1:33.937. The following day, Rossi improved, reducing the gap to 1.9 seconds as Bagnaia set the fastest lap again at 1:33.557, narrowly ahead of Bezzecchi and Morbidelli by fractions of a second. These times highlight the notable pace Rossi maintained during the tests despite his veteran status.
Looking Ahead: Rossi’s Upcoming Race Commitments
At 46 years old, Rossi continues to remain active in motorsport beyond MotoGP. He is set to compete on February 12th and 13th in the GT World Challenge Europe’s Bathurst 12 Hour event, driving for Team WRT in a BMW lineup. His participation underscores his ongoing passion and versatility across racing disciplines.
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