Ducati Andrea Dovizioso backed up the impressive P1 laptime of his test rider teammate Casey Stoner on Day 1 in Sepang, posting the only other laptime below the two minute barrier to go P2 with a 1:59.797.
The Italian, winner of the Malaysian GP in 2016, completed 29 laps.
Rain cut the session short with around two hours to go, with the team testing a variety of evolutions – including a completely new exhaust.
“The first day of 2017 testing went really well.” Said Dovizioso “I’m happy because we were fast from the start, using the same bike as in Valencia and without changing too much.”
“We haven’t had to adapt without the wings and we still have work to do with the electronics and the setup because the bike reacts differently. However, we’re still competitive and it’s always important to start off like that.”
“According to our plan there’s a lot of work left to do, but getting off to a good start helps to continue bike development. Added to the fact that I did that time on the medium tyre, we’re very satisfied” he added.