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ROUND2
Round up of the events this week in MotoGP™
Pecco renews with Ducati for 2023
The majority of the MotoGP™ grid will be out of contract at the close of this year . And one major part of the puzzle has already fallen into place , with Ducati renewing Francesco Bagnaia ’ s contract for the 2023 season . This move came as no surprise after the Italian enjoyed a stellar end to 2021 , winning three of the final five races . This extension will see him remain with Ducati ’ s factory team until at least the end of 2024 . “ Being a Ducati rider in MotoGP™ has always been my dream , and knowing that I can continue with the Ducati Lenovo Team for another two seasons makes me happy and proud ,” said Bagnaia . “ I have found a serene environment in the factory team : I feel very much in tune with my team and know that we can do great things together . Now I can only concentrate on doing well in this Championship .”
Resurfacing carried out at Mandalika Street Circuit
Viñales working with new trainer
The continued growth of Aprilia was one of testing ’ s big takeaways . Not only was Aleix Espargaro second aboard the new RS-GP in Malaysia . Maverick Viñales was able back-up , posting the fifth fastest time . Viñales remains something of an enigma . He ’ s been fast over one flying lap and insists he is still finding the limits of the RS-GP . “ I ’ m having some issues but I ’ m still able to be fast . I ’ m really happy that I ’ m not at the maximum and the lap times are there ,” he said . No expense has been spared . Factory bosses hired personal trainer Fabrizio Maganzi – formerly with F1 ’ s Fernando Alonso – to condition the Catalan away from the track . For the first time in the four-stroke era , Aprilia now has two potential podium runners in its ranks .
Ahead of the first Indonesian GP for 25 years , the Mandalika International Street Circuit has been busy getting everything ready for the three grand prix classes . The Circuit has been partly resurfaced since the MotoGP™ preseason test , held for three days from 11th to 13th February . Then , riders noted that parts of the track surface needed improvements , springing the FIM and the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation into action . From turn 17 to 5 , the track has been resurfaced . The venue also prepared for the Grand Prix by employing world leading technology to ensure the entirety of the surface meets MotoGP™ standards , an impressive feat to conduct in less than one month .
46 | This week in MotoGP™