Source: Supplied.

Repsol Honda’s reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez led the way in a private test at Catalunya, Spain, this week as riders sampled the revised track layout for the first time.

What was initially set to be a Ducati test turned out to be more widely-attended, with Honda, Aprilia and a selection of satellite bikes joining the activities throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.

Adapting to the new tighter final sector – adjusted to increase safety measures at the Barcelona circuit – and also Michelin’s stiffer front tyre, the test was an important one just two weeks out from the Catalan GP.

The track updates were not in favour of most riders, with the flow through the final sector largely disrupted and removing the rhythm that the old layout resulted in, according to reports out of Europe this week.

Marquez led the way at 1m43.803s from Lorenzo by 0.195s, while Alvaro Bautista (Aspar Ducati) was third. Information from Casey Stoner’s outing on the opening day remains limited – his first MotoGP appearance since Sepang at the beginning of the year.