Petrucci dominates the first day of testing in Jerez. Mark 5th, Rossi 17th

Danilo Petrucci (Ducati) clocked the best time (1'37'968) of the first of two test days at Jerez, the last Moto GP season before the winter break.

Danilo Petrucci, who completed 53 laps on Wednesday, outstripped his teammate Andrea Dovizioso of 217 thousandths (1'38'185) and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda).

Maverick Vinales (1'38'376) is the first Yamaha rider, his teammate Valentino Rossi signed only the 17th time of this first day with a time of more than a second and a half from Petrucci (1'39'654). The reigning world champion Marc Marquez signed the 5th time (1'38'517) while his new teammate at Repsol Honda, Jorge Lorenzo, took the 7th position in 1'38'749, taming gradually his new bike.

We will also remember the 10th time achieved by the rookie Joan Mir (1'38'956) on the Suzuki and the difficulties once again met by French Johann Zarco (19th time in 1'40'192) riding his KTM.

Finally, note thatAleix Espargaro had to forfeit after being hospitalized with a serious gastroenteritis. He was replaced by Bradley Smith, new test driver at Aprilia.

The drivers will be back on track this Thursday in Jerez for the final day of the season before the winter break.