Most riders had tested at the track, and given the new asphalt the thumbs-up, although Marquez did comment that there were already some bumps coming up, thanks to the track’s use as a test and race venue by F1. With massive downforce and fat tyres, the cars pull up ripples under braking.

The layout has also been revised for a third time in three years, with the dangerous corner where Luis Salom crashed fatally in 2016 not only given more run-off, but also equipped with the gravel trap that might have saved his life.

Further reprofiling at the end of the back straight stayed in place, but the last fast corners were restored, with the F1 chicane no longer used.

Lorenzo, Circuit, Italian MotoGP race 2018