MotoGP rookies Marini, Bastianini and Martin complete their first laps in Qatar

Avintia Esponsorama Ducati rookie duo Enea Bastianini and Luca Marini get their first experience riding MotoGP bikes, as well as Pramac Ducati rookie Jorge Martin at the first of three days testing in Qatar.

Robert Jones

06 Mar 2021

Luca Marini, practice start, MotoGP, Qatar MotoGP test, 5 March 2021
© Gold and Goose

The opening day of MotoGP testing got underway yesterday, with several test riders and rookies getting their first opportunity to complete laps at the Losail International Circuit.

Enea Bastianini, Luca Marini and Jorge Martin all made their debut for Ducati as part of the shakedown test ahead of Saturday's jam-packed second day.

The shakedown test is reserved for rookies and test riders, and provides a great opportunity to get the first impressions of their new bikes out the way.

Current Moto2 champion Bastianini was quickest of the three with a fourth place finish. A happy Bastianini said: “I am very satisfied, I have had a lot of fun as I expected the bike to be very fast but not so much.

"I am very surprised by the change of gear and the braking of the bike, I am very happy as it has been a very positive experience.

"I can’t wait till tomorrow to ride again. I have needed my time to adapt to the bike as the lines change a lot because I have more power. In short we need to work more on electronics although it is still early. I thank the whole team for the great work done."

Three-tenths back in eighth was his team-mate Marini, who enjoyed his first experience on the bike but is eager to improve in certain areas.

Marini added: "What an incredible power: I was expecting it, but it was so special in the first exit. I did a few good laps, focusing only on my riding style to gain confidence.

"The braking has surprised me, I’m not completely comfortable because with the carbon disc it’s different and I definitely have to work on my style.

"Today I was able to improve the position on the bike by working on the details of the tank, the handlebars and the seat. Ducati is big, but I’m very tall. I’m not very happy with the lap time, but tomorrow we can make a step. A busy day, but physically I feel fine."

For Pramac Ducati, Martin was the lone participant, as the Spaniard will be joined on track by new team-mate Johann Zarco on day-two.

Like the two Avintia rookies, Martin was pleased to get his first experience of the Desmosedici bike and familiarise himself with the power it possesses. It was a positive day in general for Martin, albeit he did suffer a big crash exciting turn 3.

The Spanish rider speaking in his media debrief said: "I'm very happy, it was a positive first day, I had a good feeling with the bike from the beginning and I felt very comfortable with the team. An incredible bike, the power is crazy and I had a lot of fun.

"Exiting corner 3 I touched a big bump and then the bike started shaking a lot and I couldn't keep it under me and I crashed.

"It was a really fast crash and aggressive crash but I am fine, so this is good enough. But the bike not so much. But this is racing and sometimes this can happen."