---
title: "Zarco and Crutchlow Lead MotoGP Motorcycle Racing Test in Jerez"
description: "The Honda Repsol of Dani Pedrosa recorded the third-fastest time of the session."
date: "2018-05-09"
modified: "2018-05-09"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20729/zarco-and-crutchlow-lead-motogp-motorcycle-racing-test-in-jerez"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Racing"
tags:
  - "Cal Crutchlow"
  - "Dani Pedrosa"
  - "Ducati"
  - "Marc Márquez"
  - "MotoGP"
  - "Valentino Rossi"
  - "yamaha"
---

# Zarco and Crutchlow Lead MotoGP Motorcycle Racing Test in Jerez

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/05/fb72e43d-afda-4b7d-a8f1-63f537b68401.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

A total of nine MotoGP motorcycle racing teams chose to extend their stay by one more day at the Circuito de Jerez after Sunday's [Grand Prix of Spain](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20665/marc-marquez-wins-motogp-grand-prix-of-spain-as-his-competitors-collide>), and participate in a sanctioned one-day open test. Yamaha Tech 3's Johann Zarco led the test, which revolved around a new Michelin rear tire.

The Frenchman logged a total of 63 laps around the Spanish circuit, clocking in a best time of 1:37.730. The second best time was achieved by the LCR Honda of [Sunday's pole-sitter Cal Crutchlow](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20655/cal-crutchlow-claims-pole-at-the-motogp-gran-premio-de-espaa>), who used his time wisely and also tested a series of front fairings, ultimately recording a lap time of 1:37.947, just 0.217 seconds behind Zarco.

![message-editor%2F1525871264940-de91d20f-783a-4de4-b2b6-709dabf65e93.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1525871264940-de91d20f-783a-4de4-b2b6-709dabf65e93.jpg>)
*Johann Zarco blasts down the main straight at Jerez., *MotoGP**

Another duo that focused on aerodynamics testing, as well as tire testing, was that of Dani Pedrosa and reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez, who logged more than 70 laps around the 2.7-mile circuit. The Spaniards focused on tire and suspension baseline setups for future races, as well as electronics. Pedrosa ultimately finished the test in third place with a lap time of 1:37.980, while Marquez had to settle for fifth place.

![message-editor%2F1525871306717-3f992d8c-0d7d-4a8c-8010-4d466c8dcad0.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1525871306717-3f992d8c-0d7d-4a8c-8010-4d466c8dcad0.jpg>)
*Marc Marquez tested several radical front fairings and other body bits., *MotoGP**

[Yamaha's Valentino Rossi](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20001/motogps-valentino-rossi-is-scared-of-marc-marquezs-riding-style>) and Maverick Vinales participated in the test, but had a relatively quiet day, only focusing on solving several problems that plagued their machinery over the weekend. MotoGP world champion and current Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo opted for not participating in the test, and so did his teammate Andrea Dovizioso, who recently made headlines for [rejecting the salary offered by Ducati](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20452/andrea-dovizioso-rejects-ducatis-alleged-lowball-contract-offer>) on his new two-year contract extension.

MotoGP heads to Le Mans, France next, where the world championship standings are likely to get even hotter.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)