Ducati have once again marmalised the opposition in terms of top speeds at the Qatar MotoGP test with Johan Zarco fastest through the trap at 218.5mph (351.7kmh).

Repsol Honda newboy Pol Espargaro was the fastest non-Bologna bike in sixth place with 213.7mph, which is an eternity at places like Losail, Aragon and Mugello where you’re flat for a kilometre.

In between, rookie Jorge Martin trailed Pramac team-mate Zarco by 1.2mph with works rider Jack Miller next along and Pecco Bagnaia in fourth. The 2021 Desmosedici’s new aero may be responsible for the satellite men being faster.

Enea Bastianini was fifth on the Esponsorama Ducati while team-mate Luca Marini, who is a six-footer, was down in tenth place.

Zarco’s average top speed over the two days was 214mph (data from former HRC top tefal Chris Pike) while the fastest Yamaha on average, Franco Morbidelli, was some seven mph slower. Maverick Vinales set the Iwata marque’s top whack at 211mph, which is seven mph shy of Zarco’s outright best.