Sophomore Moto3™ rider Aron Canet shot up the timesheets in a last minute dash at the first Official Moto3™ test of the year at the Circuito de Jerez, taking over from Marinelli Rivacold Snipers’ Romano Fenati in the final minutes. Canet’s best was a 1:46.465, ahead of Fenati and Del Conca Gresini Moto3 rider Jorge Martin. The three were the only riders who went below the 1:47 barrier.
Weather was warm, skies clear, and the grid out in force for the first time in 2017.
Behind the top three, Bo Bendsneyder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was fourth fastest but suffered a fall, with Juanfran Guevara (RBA Racing Team) putting in an impressive showing to complete the top five. Expected title challenger “Beast” Enea Bastianini (Estrella Galicia 0,0) was sixth despite a crash, ahead of Südmetall Schedl GP Racing rider Philipp Oettl and Sky Racing Team VR46 sophomore Nicolo Bulega.
Leopard Racing rider and 2016 Rookie of the Year Joan Mir completed the top ten on Day 1 as he gets used to his new Honda, just behind British Talent Team rider John McPhee.
McPhee had a solid start to the season with the all-new squad, ending the first session in P11, the second in second, and the third in P7. The 2016 Czech Moto3™ winner was ninth on combined timings on his 2017 debut.
More action continues on Thursday for the lightweight class, as the second of the first three Official test days gets underway.