RACING: Zarco fastest in final MotoGP test

Monster Yamaha Tech 3's Johann Zarco ended the three-day MotoGP test in Qatar as the pacesetter, ahead of Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha) and world No. 2 Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati).

The Frenchman stopped the clock at 1:54.029, just shy of the best ever lap around the 5.380km Losail circuit – Jorge Lorenzo’s 1:53.927 set way back in 2008.

"I’m delighted to finish with the top lap time,” said Zarco. “I think it was even possible to ride inside the high 53s, but we have to accept that we have to understand step by step how to ride at this speed.

“We did some great work with the team and with everything we did during these three days, I felt more confidence and I could work well on this. When I did a very long run to test the race, it was not too fast. I did 17 laps in a row, but I probably a bit tired after this intense days here.

“Anyway, we are constant and I can relax a lot on the bike. I’m really happy about that and I need to keep this feeling in mind to start the race weekend well in a fortnight."

Rossi’s best lap was 1:54.276, followed by Dovizioso (1:54.331), and then the first Honda rider – Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol, 1:54.457).

The top four riders as well as last year’s Losail winner Maverick Vinales (Movistar Yamaha, 1:54.471) set their best times on day three, while the man who leaves the desert sixth overall hit his high mark on day two – Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar, 1:54.586). The Italian was sidelined on the final day of pre-season, suffering with illness.

Slotting behind the ‘Maniac’ was world champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda, 1:54.591) as he guns for his seventh title. Marquez also showed impressive pace on a long run, and did the most laps of anyone as he racked up 75. He ended the day sandwiched between the Suzuki Ecstar machines, as Alex Rins (1:54.650) took P8 and ended pre-season on form and fully healthy.

Two Ducatis locked out the top 10, thanks to Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing, 1:54.659) and Lorenzo (1:54.692).

Australia’s Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing Ducati, 1:54.749) was next, after he headed out late with a soft tyre for a time attack.

“We have also managed to make further improvement today, and that is why I am very pleased,” said Miller. “We worked on the set up with choices that gave us positive indications.

"If I have to be honest, I still have a bit of trouble finding the right grip but during the race simulation I had a good feeling and the race pace was good. I am sure that we can improve further.”

QATAR TEST TIMES HERE

With pre-season now over, round one will be held back at Losail from March 16-18.