Moto3: Martin and Bastianini ahead of tight Moto3 field following Valencia Test

Nine poles in 2017 for Jorge Martin were obviously no fluke but the Spaniard charged clear in the 3-day test at Valencia, as he and his Del Conca Gresini Honda team powered to the top slot. Enea Bastianini was just under a tenth behind him, as he settled into his new home at Leopard Honda. Marco Bezzecchi was a surprising third – the Italian coming into 2018 after achieving his first ever podium in 2018.

Aron Canet was fourth overall and only 0.017 off Bezzecchi’s time, with an identical gap back to Niccolo Antonelli in fifth, as the Italian moves across to Paolo Simoncelli’s SIC58 team. Philipp Oettl broke the Spanish and Italian power at the sharp end of proceedings in sixth, with the German on the Schedl GP KTM machine over a tenth further back. The German was just under 3 tenths off the top place.

Tony Arbolino, who is at his new team with Marinelli Snipers Honda, was seventh quickest. Albert Arenas on the Angel Nieto Team KTM was eighth even though he crashed. Alonso Lopez on the Marc VDS Estrella Galicia Honda was looking good as he made his debut; the Spaniard completing the test as fastest rookie. Gabriel Rodrigo on the RBA KTM was tenth overall, having led day two of the test; that lap time being his quickest of the weekend and therefore placing him 10th overall.

Bastianini’s Leopard Racing teammate, Lorenzo Dalla Porta, was 11th, ahead of 2017 Rookie of the Year and much-anticipated talent, Ayumu Sasaki. Just behind him was fellow Japanese rider, rookie and reigning Red Bull Rookies Cup Champion, Kazuki Masaki – who is riding for the RBA KTM squad. Andrea Migno, Albert Arenas’ new teammate, was P14, as he is another top rider to find himself at a new residency for 2018. The 2017 Italian GP winner was just ahead of Belgian rider, Livio Loi, who is on the Reale Stylobike, fielded by Avintia Racing.