Honda rided Marc Marquez was the only man able to break Yamaha new recruit Maverick Vinales’ stranglehold at the Phillip Island test, and the only other man able to set a lap in the 1:28 bracket.
Fastest on Day 1 and then just behind Vinales on each subsequent day, the five-time World Champion is however happy with pace and progress – putting another 96 laps on the sheets on Day 3, when the rider from Cervera also celebrated his 24th birthday.
Setting a 1:28.843 on the third and final day, the number 93 was just under three-tenths off compatriot Vinales – but has shown equally impressive speed and consistency over longer runs.
“I’m really happy with how today went, because we improved a lot – especially in the afternoon – despite the fact that I set my fastest lap in the morning. At the end I felt much more comfortable and it seems that yesterday’s long runs have been useful to help us improve the electronics and get to the level we want to be at.” Said Marquez
“In general I think the three days have been very positive and we’ve done a good job, but we need to remember that this circuit is unique and in Qatar we’ll see a better picture of where we are.
“Today the team gave me a funny gift, a magnifying glass, because I keep saying to them to look at the data to see what we’re missing – and they told me to find it myself! I’ve very thankful, because HRC is pushing really hard and we’re getting better step-by-step.” He added
“And I want to wish the best to my Crew Chief, Santi Hernandez, because he couldn’t come to Phillip Island due to illness. We’ve missed him a lot and hope to see him back at the next test.”
