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MotoGP is once again in the headlines with the first official tests of the year organised in Sepang, Malaysia, from 30 January to 1 February. Motul has kept the confidence of its three 2016 technical partners, but Suzuki, Monster Yamaha Tech3 and Aprilia Racing Team Gresini have entirely renewed their riders. Aleix Espargaro has, for his part, switched from one Motul team to another Motul team!
The Suzuki factory team has signed up Andrea Iannone, winner of his first Grand Prix last year. 5th of day one in Sepang, he assessed the various changes made this winter to the GSX-RR. 'The aim is to determine what contributes real progress in order to choose the way forward', stated team manager Davide Brivio. Unlike in the previous season, many rookies have been promoted to MotoGP for 2017… and all of them are in Motul teams! Alex Rins, on the final podium in Moto2 and Moto3 these past four years, has not completely recovered from his November 2016 crash in Valencia. This Monday he contented himself with discovering his Suzuki and his new environment.
Two rookies are to be found in MotoGP at Monster Yamaha Tech3. Double World Moto2 champion, Johann Zarco is next to Jonas Folger, 7th of the same championship last year and for the moment best rookie with 7th time overall.
Formerly of Suzuki, Aleix Espargaro distinguished himself by clinching 15th time for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini. Another rookie on the starting grid this season, Sam Lowes hopes Aprilia RS-GP will act as a stepping stone for him to rank among the elite.
