MotoGP| Johann Zarco tops 219mph on Ducati in Qatar test
Ducati rider Johann Zarco has hit an amazing 219mph during the Qatar test while factory rider Jack Miller sets a new track record
THE slightly awkward-looking Ducati MotoGP bike might not be the prettiest thing ever to grace a race circuit, but as the factory and satellite riders are proving, ugly can still be fast.
Jack Miller had a blazing day in the saddle yesterday claiming a new track record at the Losail circuit in Qatar, posting a time of 1min 53.183. The likable Aussie was followed into the realm of never seen before times by newly singed factory Yamaha MotoGP rider Fabio Quartararo, who posted a time of 1min 53.380. Both riders dipped below the previous circuit best set by Marc Marquez at 1min 53.380.
Johann Zarco 219 MPH Pramc Ducati MotoGP bike
It wasn’t just lap records that were tumbling as Pramac Ducati rider Johann Zarco also took a top-speed record on the venue’s one kilometre long straight. Zarco managed an outright top-speed of 352.9 KPH, a shade over 219 MPH. The speed of the Frenchman’s satellite Ducati is just shy of the outright top-speed record in MotoGP, currently held by Andrea Dovizioso at 221.6 MPH.
It is also worth noting that Dovizioso’s record was set at the Mugello circuit in Italy, a track that is blessed with a 709m long straight – Mugello’s start-finish is 1,140m in length although it does feature elevation changes.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
