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Bagnaia used Jerez MotoGP practice “as a test” for “big” change
The reigning double world champion has won the last two Spanish Grands Prix at Jerez but comes into this weekend off the back of a non-score in Portugal and a struggle to sixth in America. A key issue for Bagnaia has been a vibration on the rear which has intermittently cropped up over the first three rounds and is something other Ducati riders have battled. After a low-key start to practice on Friday at Jerez, Bagnaia smashed his own lap record from last year to top the afternoon session by 0.100 seconds. “We used a different strategy compared to a normal Friday,” said Bagnaia. “We used this Friday as a test and it was very useful. We tested more things than normal and I’m very happy.” Ducati has been working hard to diagnose the vibration issues its riders have been facing, and Bagnaia thinks it is down to the different construction of Michelin’s rear tyres in 2024.