FIM Moto2 World Championship Test
Circuito de Jerez
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
March 8, 2018
Day Three Best Lap Times (wet conditions, all on Dunlop tires):
1. Fabio Quartararo, France (Speed Up), 1:45.174
2. Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (KTM), 1:47.874
3. Eric Granado, Brazil (Suter), 1:47.942
4. Jules Danilo, France (Kalex), 1:48.405
5. Federico Fuligni, Italy (Kalex), 1:48.866
6. Simone Corsi, Italy (Kalex), 1:49.481
7. Tetsuta Nagashima, Japan (Kalex), 1:50.050
8. Romano Fenati, Italy (Kalex), 1:51.210
9. Luca Marini, Italy (Kalex), 1:53.262
10. Stefano Manzi, Italy (Suter), 1:53.334
11. Lorenzo Baldassari, Italy (Kalex), 1:53.371
12. Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Kalex), 1:53.614
13. Remy Gardner, Australia (Tech 3), 1:54.474
14. Joe Roberts, USA (NTS), 1:54.572
15. Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (Tech 3), 1:54.930
16. Danny Kent, UK (Speed Up), 1:55.024
17. Sam Lowes, UK (KTM), 1:55.153
18. Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:55.163
19. Hector Barbera, Spain (Kalex), 1:56.632
20. Steven Odendaal, South Africa (NTS), 1:57.859
21. Jorge Navarro, Spain (Kalex), 1:58.014
22. Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), no time recorded
23. Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), no time recorded
24. Alex Marquez, Spain (Kalex), no time recorded
25. Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), no time recorded
26. Mattia Pasini, Italy (Kalex), no time recorded
27. Marcel Schrotter, Germany (Kalex), no time recorded
28. Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Kalex), no time recorded
29. Khairul Idham Pawi, Malaysia (Kalex), no time recorded
30. Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Malaysia (Kalex), no time recorded
Best Combined Lap Times:
1. Sam Lowes, UK (KTM), 1:41.823
2. Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:41.960
3. Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:42.011
4. Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.011
5. Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), 1:42.127
6. Alex Marquez, Spain (Kalex), 1:42.161
7. Romano Fenati, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.368
8. Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:42.395
9. Mattia Pasini, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.402
10. Luca Marini, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.472
11. Lorenzo Baldassari, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.498
12. Jorge Navarro, Spain (Kalex), 1:42.521
13. Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (Tech 3), 1:42.528
14. Danny Kent, UK (Speed Up), 1:42.589
15. Marcel Schrotter, Germany (Kalex), 1:42.639
16. Fabio Quartararo, France (Speed Up), 1:42.654
17. Joe Roberts, USA (NTS), 1:42.703
18. Remy Gardner, Australia (Tech 3), 1:42.742
19. Simone Corsi, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.780
20. Steven Odendaal, South Africa (NTS), 1:42.810
21. Hector Barbera, Spain (Kalex), 1:42.998
22. Tetsuta Nagashima, Japan (Kalex), 1:43.030
23. Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Kalex), 1:43.145
24. Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (KTM), 1:43.233
25. Eric Granado, Brazil (Suter), 1:43.312
26. Khairul Idham Pawi, Malaysia (Kalex), 1:43.428
27. Stefano Manzi, Italy (Suter), 1:43.725
28. Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Malaysia (Kalex), 1:44.476
29. Jules Danilo, France (Kalex), 1:44.621
30. Federico Fuligni, Italy (Kalex), 1:45.123
More, from a press release issued by Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS:
Márquez ready to race despite rain disrupted final test in Jerez
Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider Álex Márquez declared himself ready for the start of the 2018 season, despite adverse weather disrupting all three days of the final Moto2 preseason test at the Jerez circuit in Spain.
Márquez was only able to complete two sessions on the opening day, in less than ideal conditions, before rain brought a premature end to proceedings. Day two started well, with the sun initially making an appearance above the Jerez circuit, but a red flag and plunging track temperatures in the afternoon meant that testing was again limited to just two sessions.
The third and final day was a complete wash out, with Márquez not even turning one lap as intermittent rain meant that the track never dried completely.
Despite the disruption, Márquez managed to complete a limited test schedule, working with his crew and the Kalex technical staff to evaluate changes to the suspension and geometry on the 2018 bike, ready for the opening race of the season.
The inclement conditions also meant that Márquez never got the chance to match his blistering pace at the previous Jerez test, where he topped the timesheet with an incredible lap time of 1’40.926.
Márquez was the sole representative of Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS in Jerez, as Joan Mir opted to sit out the test after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder in a training accident.
Instead the reigning Moto3 World Champion remained at home in Mallorca, where he has been undergoing an intensive course of physiotherapy in preparation for his Moto2 debut in Qatar next week.
Álex Márquez: 1’42.161
“Despite the problems with the weather, I’m really happy with what we’ve achieved here at Jerez. On the second day, the best of the three weather wise, we managed to get quite a lot done, taking a lot of conclusions about our direction with the set up, which is really good for the first race in Qatar. Sure, some more dry track time would have been better but it was the same for everyone. Now we head to Qatar and the first race of the season in a good position, but we need to continue working during the first free practice sessions next weekend. Qatar is a peculiar track, which we need to adapt to, and we know there are going to be even more riders challenging at the front this season, but I’m feeling confident ahead of the first race.”
Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“The weather hasn’t been kind to us again this year, with less than ideal conditions at all three preseason tests in Spain. It’s the second season that the weather has played a big part and maybe it’s time to start looking for an alternative preseason testing location, especially as we’ll be racing with different engines for the first time in 2019. Despite the weather disruptions we are in a good position going into the new season, with Álex instrumental in the development of the 2018 Kalex and Joan quickly adapting to the demands of Moto2 despite missing the final test through injury. We’re ready for the first race and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
More, from a press release issued by Tech3 Racing:
Bendsneyder and Gardner conclude pre-season with high confidence
The Tech3 Racing duo of Bo Bendsneyder and Remy Gardner was back at Jerez, Spain this week for the ultimate test before the 2018 season kicks off with the traditional opener, the Qatar Grand Prix in just eight days’ time.
In the course of the three days Bendsneyder was able to improve his fastest time from day one by 1.334 seconds to conclude the final preparations in 13th position overall. Thereby, the flying Dutchman was working through an extensive schedule in order to be perfectly positioned for his first ever Moto2 race next week. Meanwhile, Gardner impressed with the fourth quickest lap time on wet tarmac this morning. The Australian decreased his lap time by one second, completing the test just 0.214 seconds behind his team mate in 18th and is eager to prove his good feeling aboard the Mistral 610 in race conditions.
Bo Bendsneyder
Position: 13th – Time: 1’42.528 – Laps: 102
“It was three positive days. We were quite lucky with the weather, because the forecast said just one dry day and in the end, we got nearly three. Especially the second day was good to try many things. At the start, we struggled a little bit, but finally we changed the bike in the front and step by step, we were improving. We just focused on the race pace and did a simulation, where I did my best time in the last lap. I was also able to ride consistently in the 42s. I’m happy about the work we’ve done and I’m looking forward to Qatar.”
Remy Gardner
Position: 18th – Time: 1’42.742 – Laps: 95
“We finished testing early, after doing some laps in the wet this morning, which was quite successful. I think we could have refined our setup a bit in the afternoon, but we didn’t want to risk anything before the race. Overall, this test was decent, unfortunately I had two strange tyres and we couldn’t understand why we were not able to go fast. Then we put a different set of tyres on and were working towards a setting that was suiting the poor tyres. I would say, we are ready for Qatar. I think we can have a strong start into the season, although the final result doesn’t really reflect our potential.”
More, from a press release issued by Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2:
NAVARRO HAPPY AND READY FOR QATAR
Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 leave southern Spain in a positive mood after a weather-wise not-so-exciting final pre-season test at Jerez de la Frontera, which did not stop the team from working hard both in the garage and on track – especially on the second day.
On the opening day of action, Navarro was able to get on track only in the afternoon session as he focused mainly on fast corners, under-braking stability and on finding a more comfortable position on the bike. On day two, which turned out to be the only day blessed by sun and mild temperatures, the 22-year-old Spaniard managed to lap consistently and set a personal best lap-time of 1’42.521.
Despite a third day with continuing rain – and therefore not useful for the testing programme – Navarro and Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 leave Jerez de la Frontera with a smile on their faces and in less than a week will be in Losail for the opening Grand Prix of the 2018 season.
JORGE NAVARRO
“We tried different set-up configurations to have a clearer idea on what I like and we have found a good base. Obviously, there’s still a lot of work to do and we need something more both from myself and the bike, but we’re on the right direction. We need to do some fine tuning as we were six tenths away from the quickest time here at Jerez but I’m sure we don’t need that much more to be near the front.”
More, from a press release issued by SIC Racing Team Moto2:
SIC RACING TEAM CONCLUDE TESTING, READY FOR ROUND ONE
Jerez, Spain – Thursday 8th March
Circuit: Circuito de Jerez, Spain
Circuit Length: 4.4 km
Bike #63 – Zulfahmi Khairuddin
Fastest lap: 1”44.476
SIC Racing Team and rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin concluded their pre-season testing today having made good progress on board the Kalex Moto2 machine.
As a newcomer to the intermediate class, Fahmi continued to use his time on track to work on the set-up of his 600cc bike. Working through setting’s and adding more miles to the clock, saw the Malaysian riders confidence grow within the Moto2 field, as he continued to improve in every dry session.
Johan Stigefelt – Team Manger
“With Fahmi the aim for this test was to do more kilometres and for him to continue to adapt to the bike. Unfortunately we didn’t get the conditions that we had hoped for but still every session he went out in the dry, he improved. The team around him is working very well. His Crew Chief Fausto is very good at adjusting the bike to suit Fahmi’s needs. Fahmi is happy with the progress and we are seeing a good step from the Sepang test to here. In Qatar we will have to take another step, but I’m confident we can do this.”
#63 ZULFAHMI KHAIRUDDIN
“The bad weather has really limited our track time during this test, which is a real shame, but thankfully we have still been able to work through some important things.
Although it’s been less than we wanted, I’m happy to have been able to get back on the bike and get more experience before the first round. My confidence is increasing every session and I feel ready for Qatar.
For sure if we’d had more dry track time we could have tested a lot more and improved our lap time further but overall I’m pleased with the progress we have made throughout our testing.”
More, from a press release issued by Sky Racing VR46:
POSITIVE BALANCE FOR THE LAST IRTA TEST IN JEREZ. THE SKY RACING TEAM VR46 IS READY FOR QATAR GP
The 2018 pre-season ended in Andalusia. Bagnaia and Marini close to the fastest in Moto2 and are ready for their debut in Doha. At work also Bulega and Foggia in Moto3 for reducing the distances from the Top guys.
Jerez de la Frontera, March 8th 2018 – Just one week to the start of the new season on the Doha track in Qatar, the pre-season season ends for the Sky Racing Team VR46 in Jerez de la Frontera. Checkered flag on the last official IRTA test of the 2018 with Bagnaia and Marini, both close to the most competitive in the category and Bulega and Foggia on track to reduce the gap from the strongest guys.
Despite the rain and the wind, which forced us to change the working schedule, in Moto2, Francesco Bagnaia, the first Kalex, together with Luca Marini, the fastest in the wet today, have continued to develop the bikes and new suspensions. Both satisfied with what they have done, ended the three days of testing respectively at the fourth (1:42.011) and tenth (1:42.472) overall place – 2 tenths of delay from the leaders Lowes (1:41.823).
Challenging days also for the Moto3 Team with Nicolò Bulega and Dennis Foggia working on their KTM. After the injury of last November, another step forward on the riding feeling for Nicolò who is 18th with a best of 1:47.386. Twentieth Dennis Foggia (1:47.424) who will make his debut in the World Championship next week in Qatar.
Unfortunately, the weather did not allow us to make the most of the three days of testing, but we were able to do a lot of the work scheduled. In Moto2, we have found the right way and we will arrive in Qatar ready to give our best. In Moto3, we still have a bit of work to do, but the Nicolò’s feeling is better, the foot gives less trouble compared to Valencia and Dennis took another step forward.
Francesco Bagnaia:
Considering the weather conditions of the three days, a difficult test. We tried to do our best for recovering the time we have lost in Valencia and we were able to try different materials. Many solutions have given us a good feedback, others we have rejected, but it is normal in a testing session. This morning we had the opportunity to ride in the wet to work on even the last details. We close this pre season with a positive balance: we arrive in Qatar close to the strongest guys and well prepared.
Luca Marini:
A complicated testing session: due to rain, we could not complete our scheduled plan. The goal was to focus on the feeling with the used tyres to improve the race pace. The feelings are positive and we can leave this last test satisfied with the work done during the whole pre season. We are well prepared and I’m very happy. A final note on these three days: this morning I was very fast and constant in the wet.
Nicolo Bulega:
I’m quite satisfied. We did a good job, yesterday we had some problems, but we were able to fix them, we have found something that can be more suitable for my style and today I did a race simulation in wet. Compared to the last test, I feel more comfortable, and I hope to make another step forward for Qatar.
Dennis Foggia:
A challenging test: I tried many different things and I continued to improve the bike setting for QatarGP. Despite the position, we did a great job. A pity not being able to use at 100% the new tyre to improve my lap time.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Martin and Lowes remain fastest in Jerez
Del Conca Gresini Moto3 and Swiss Innovative Investors riders’ times unthreatened after rain affects play once again in Andalusia
The third and final preseason Official Test for Moto2™ and Moto3™ has been a mixed bag in terms of the weather, with rain affecting all three days of action and sessions mixed between wet, dry or…mixed. After Day 3 saw some of the heaviest rain – although useful for wet running – Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) and Sam Lowes (Swiss Innovative Investors) remain fastest in Moto3™ and Moto2™ respectively, with both having topped their respective timesheets on Day 2.
In Moto3™, the combined timings lay incredible foundations for the year ahead. Spaniard Martin, who took nine poles in 2017 and finished the year off with a win, broke his own lap record on Wednesday ar the venue, with the new track surface making for some impressive laptimes. And behind the Del Conca Gresini Moto3 rider are two of his most hotly-tipped rivals for the title this season: Enea Bastianini (Leopard Racing), settling into his new team well, and Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0), the 2017 race winner at the Andalusian venue.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) was another one to watch in fourth, with the Italian beginning the year fully fit and raring to go. Can he get in the mix and challenge for the crown? After a number of podiums already, ‘Diggia’ will be gunning for glory. His compatriot Marco Bezzechi (Pruestel GP) rounded out the top five as he continues his good form going into his sophomore season, and the top KTM rider was only 0.007 off Di Giannantonio. Back to P7 was an even smaller gap, however, with rookie Alonso Lopez hitting the ground running at Estrella Galicia 0,0 at just 0.004 in arrears; an impressive debut.
Niccolo Antonelli and teammate Tatsuki Suzuki made it both SIC58 Squadra Corse riders in the top ten as they locked out P7 and P8, with Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) hot on the chase and 0.01 off the Japanese rider’s laptime. Livio Loi (Reale Avintia Academy) completed the top ten for KTM.
Andrea Migno (Angel Nieto Team), 2017 Rookie of the Year Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Kazakhstani rookie Makar Yurchenko (CIP – Green Power), Phillip Oettl (Südmetall Schedl GP Racing) and Gabriel Rodrigo (RBA BOE Skull Rider Team) locked out the fastest fifteen.
Meanwhile in Moto2™, KTM dominated the top spots after riders on Austrian machinery attacked in the dry conditions, with expected title contender Sam Lowes and an impressive sophomore display from teammate Iker Lecuona making it a 1-2 for Swiss Innovative Investors after their pace on Day 2. Fellow KTM rider Brad Binder completed the top three for Red Bull KTM Ajo, but had an identical fastest laptime to that of the Kalex-riding Francesco Bagnaia (Sky Racing Team VR46) in fourth. Binder took P3 by virtue of his second quickest effort, with 2019 premier class rider Bagnaia pushed down to fourth.
Xavi Vierge continued to settle in well to life on a Kalex and life at Intact Dynavolt GP as he completed the top five, with 2017 Jerez winner Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) hot on his tail and just 0.034 further back in P6. Marquez’ rookie teammate, reigning Moto3™ World Champion Joan Mir, is absent through injury – and his fellow rookie and old title adversary Romano Fenati (Marinelli Rivacold Snipers) was P7 overall in Jerez.
Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) made it four KTMs in the top ten as the three-in-a-row race winner in 2017 completed the outing in eighth, with two Italians for close company in the form of the experienced Mattia Pasini (Italtrans Racing Team) and Sky Racing Team VR46 newcomer Luca Marini.
Behind the top ten, Lorenzo Baldassarri (Pons HP 40), Jorge Navarro (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), Dutch rookie Bo Bendsneyder (Tech 3 Racing), returning 2015 Moto3™ World Champion Danny Kent (Speed Up) and German Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) completed the fastest fifteen.
NTS RW Racing GP’s American entrant Joe Roberts wasn’t far behind, with South African teammate Steven Odendaal only a tenth further back but in P20 as the timesheets tightened. Eric Granado bested teammate Stefano Manzi (Forward Racing Team) at this test, with the two adapting to their Suter chassis.
Now it’s time to race, and it can’t come soon enough. So the two classes now pack up and head for Qatar, where the first two showdowns of the year are waiting on the 17th March.