Portimao Moto3 test: Suzuki sets the pace on day one

Leopard Honda’s Tatsuki Suzuki led the way as the opening day of official testing at Portimao concluded for the Moto3 class.

The Japanese rider’s 1’48.575 lap headed the standings after three 70 minutes sessions and 47 laps of the 4.6km rollercoaster circuit with GasGas Aspar’s Izan Guevara and 15-year-old BOE SKX rookie David Muñoz completing the top three.

Tech3’s Deniz Öncü continued the KTM train from fourth, two-tenths ahead of teammate Adrian Fernandez while a second rookie, MT Helmet’s Diogo Moreira, split the pair in fifth.

2021 front runner Sergio Garcia began his new season strongly having led the opening session, concluding the day seventh overall and equal on pace to the Spaniard ahead of him. Carlos Tatay got his first official taste of the CF Moto with a best good enough for eighth while Ivan Ortola and Ayumu Sasaki completed the top ten.

The fastest Brit, of a trio contesting the lightweight class for 2022, Scott Ogden claimed 13th position thanks to his 1’49.423 late afternoon effort. The VisionTrack Honda rider sat narrowly behind Jaume Masia and Alberto Surra with teammate Josh Whatley beginning his world championship education from 27th.

John McPhee’s switch from Petronas Honda to Max Racing Husqvarna found the Scot 19th on day one with a best time of 1’49.683. While a cautious start to Ana Carrasco’s return to the GP paddock found the second BOE rider at the back of the pack.

Having missed both days at Jerez due to a foot injury, 2021 runner up Dennis Foggia was also forced to sit out of the running on the first day at Portimao suffering with gastroenteritis. Doubts remain on the Italian’s fitness for the remaining action.

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