FIM Moto2 World Championship Test
Jerez, Spain
November 25, 2018
Day Three Results (wet conditions, all using Triumph engines and Dunlop tires):
1. Steven Odendaal, South Africa (KTS), 1:46.704
2. Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (MV Agusta), 1:46.890
3. Xavier Cardelus, Andorra (KTM), 1:47.551
4. Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Speed Up), 1:47.990
5. Dimas Ekky Pratama, Indonesia (Kalex), 1:48.003
6. Lukas Tulovic, Germany (KTM), 1:49.589
7. Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (KTM), 1:50.093
8. Philipp Oettl, Germany (KTM), 1:50.532
9. Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), 1:50.758
10. Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Kalex), 1:54.544
11. Stefano Manzi, Italy (MV Agusta), 1:55.980
12. Simone Corsi, Italy (Kalex), 1:58.133
Overall Test Results (all using Triumph engines and Dunlop tires):
1. Luca Marini, Italy (Kalex), 1:41.524
2. Sam Lowes, UK (Kalex), 1:41.792
3. Alex Marquez, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.901
4. Remy Gardner, Australia (Kalex), 1:41.991
5. Lorenzo Baldassarri, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.035
6. Jorge Navarro, Spain (Speed Up), 1:42.196
7. Marcel Schrotter, Germany (Kalex), 1:42.241
8. Augusto Fernandez, Spain (Kalex), 1:42.264
9. Tetsuta Nagashima, Japan (Kalex), 1:42.282
10. Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), 1:42.305
11. Nicolo Bulega, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.311
12. Tom Luthi, Switzerland (Kalex), 1:42.361
13. Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:42.465
14. Stefano Manzi, Italy (MV Agusta), 1:42.743
15. Simone Corsi, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.782
16. Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Speed Up), 1:42.812
17. Enea Bastianini, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.875
18. Steven Odendaal, South Africa (KTS), 1:42.880
19. Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Kalex), 1:42.888
20. Lukas Tulovic, Germany (KTM), 1:42.916
21. Khairul Idham Pawi, Malaysia (Kalex), 1:43.012
22. Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (MV Agusta), 1:43.123
23. Jorge Martin, Spain (KTM), 1:43.361
24. Dimas Ekky Pratama, Indonesia (Kalex), 1:43.505
25. Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (KTM), 1:43.652
26. Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:43.653
27. Somkiat Chantra, Thailand (Kalex), 1:43.900
28. Jake Dixon, UK (KTM), 1:44.148
29. Philipp Oettl, Germany (KTM), 1:44.207
30. Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (NTS), 1:44.564
31. Xavier Cardelus, Andorra (KTM), 1:44.803
More, from a press release issued by Federal Oil Gresini Racing:
TOP-2 FOR LOWES AT JEREZ MOTO2 DEBUT
The adventure of Sam Lowes and the Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team returned to Jerez de la Frontera and took to the track for the first official test of the 2019 season, finally with the new Triumph engines in use.
The number 22, completely at ease with the red-white colours of the team captained by Tommaso Raponi, was among the protagonists of this first glimpse of new year, putting a lot of laps in the first two days and closing with a time of 1’41.792s. This was the second best time of the large group of the intermediate class.
A very promising start for a team that is already familiar with each other and who have been able to immediately identify the areas to work on to be competitive in the near future.
2nd – SAM LOWES # 22
“It’s been a real positive test because we could work on many things. The first, of course, was to get used to the new engine and the new bike. I immediately felt good with all the team and the new engine is very nice, the character is completely different from the Honda so you have to ride the bike in different way, but we are working on it. We have a precise plan on what to work on for the next test to improve the bike. Second overall and with good feelings. It was a very positive test and a big thumb up for the engine, so is going to be an interesting season with nice races!”
More, from a press release issued by KTM Tech 3:
Bezzecchi and Öttl conclude first 2019 test confidently
With two days of Moto2 contact in their pockets, Red Bull KTM Tech3’s newcomers Marco Bezzecchi and Philipp Öttl experienced some first laps on wet tarmac today at the Circuito de Jerez before they completed the first test in preparation of the intermediate category 2019 with the series’ new Triumph engine and a brand-new KTM Moto2 bike.
While the Italian was learning his new working tool with P22 in full wet conditions this morning, Öttl was just 0.116 seconds behind his teammate in 24th. On a drying track in the afternoon, both went out again. Thereby, Bezzecchi set a fastest lap of 1’50.093 minutes to clinch P7, while the German Moto2 rookie did a 1’50.532, wrapping up the final day in P8.
Marco Bezzecchi
Position: 7th – Time: 1’50.093 – Laps: 32
“Today we didn’t ride too much because of the weather, but we made some laps in the wet and some laps in almost dry conditions. In the wet, my feeling was quite good but to be honest, I expected a bit more. In the few laps we did in the afternoon, I tried to work further on my riding style and we made a practice start, which was very good.”
Philipp Öttl
Position: 8th – Time: 1’50.532 – Laps: 36
“I think session in the morning was more clear, I felt good in the wet, even better than on the Moto3 bike in the past, which is very positive. I have the feeling that we are on the right direction. I can also transfer a few things from the wet to the dry, so I can say we made another step forward today. The test overall was good, we learned a lot and we found a decent direction.”
Hervé Poncharal
Team Manager
“Three important days and very useful days are done, although the weather was not on our side. I have to say that Moto2 is going through a big change, a new engine supplier with Triumph and a new ECU from Magneti Marelli and I would like to thank both of them because the new engine is fantastic. I didn’t see any rider without a big smile on their face, the sound is great, clearly, this is a big step forward. We also could enjoy a much more advanced ECU electronic, which the riders and their crews will have to clearly understand. It was also a very important test for us, the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team, because it was the first time we were working with our new toy, our new weapon. The machine is absolutely beautiful, every single part is a piece of art. Our two guys, Marco Bezzecchi and Philipp Öttl also had a lot to learn, coming from Moto3. It was exciting to look at their faces and hear their comments. We are still very far to use the maximum potential of our bike, we still have to understand how to set up the bike and mainly the chassis properly. Unfortunately we couldn’t do enough dry laps, but the overall feeling is very positive. We have now time to analyse all the data we have, time for the riders to digest and understand how to ride and how to use a Moto2 and for sure, when everybody will come back to Jerez there’ll be a huge step forward to what we have done now. But again, we are very, very positive with everything. I just wish everyone a relaxed winter and a decent time to prepare the 2019 season, which we already can’t await!”
More, from a press release issued by MV Agusta Forward Racing:
WINTER TEST 2019 – JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA CIRCUIT
The first winter tests that opened the 2019 season, were officially concluded at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit and, at the same time, showed the official debut on track of the new F2 bike of the MV Agusta Forward Racing team.
It has been three days of intense work for the riders Dominic Aegerter and Stefano Manzi, as well as for the whole team. Although the weather has limited the possibility of making many laps in the dry, the results obtained are really satisfying and lead to the winter break with the right enthusiasm to continue the development of the new bike, in view of the upcoming tasks of 2019.
Stefano Manzi has returned on track after the last troubles to the injured wrist, being immediately at ease on the F2, recording very positive times and saying he was enthusiastic about the new project 2019.
Dominic Aegerter, on the other hand, got to know his new team, as well as his new bike, proving himself excited and proud of this new adventure that has just begun.
In the box there was a lot of emotion, but also a sense of responsibility in bringing back on the world stage the Italian excellence of two wheels, Mv Agusta.
After finding the way to take, the team will dedicate itself to winter work, to prepare for the February tests and the first real challenge of 2019: the GP of Qatar.
Dominique Aegerter – Rider
«I have to say that I am really happy to be part of the MV Agusta Forward Racing Team project: this will allow me to learn a lot and, at the same time, to contribute to the development of this bike. For me it’s all new, both the bike and the team, but the first impression is really positive, I had fun, the guys are professional and qualified, and I’m sure we’ll work well during the year. We have a lot to do but, step by step, during this weekend we have found the way to follow. In these days of testing we have run well, close to the top of the standings: we have tried different specifications on the chassis, tested the suspensions and worked on the geometry. A pity for the weather that didn’t help us. Overall I feel good on the F2, I can’t wait to get back on the bike again! During the winter we will work on the possible developments in view of the February tests, in the meantime I will continue my physical preparation and I will also try to learn a bit Italian!».
Stefano Manzi – Rider
«It was a very positive test, I’m really happy. The bike went well right from the start: I used a first version on Friday and a more advanced one later. I was immediately at ease and I’m already looking forward to testing in 2019. Now we have a winter break where the bike will continue to be developed and I will make a good preparation, in view of the upcoming commitments on the track. The basis established here in Jerez are really good, we just have to continue on this path to reach important results».
Giovanni Cuzari – Team Owner
«It was a very exciting three days: it’s great to have been able to finally start this new project, despite the responsibilities that it entails. I think the test went well: being only a second and two tenths away from the bikes of other manufacturers who had already had the opportunity to ride on this track, I think it is a great result and a good starting point. Even more optimism, in terms of times, comes from the fact that we have not even had the opportunity to use a more performing tyre, because of the weather conditions that have limited all the three days here in Jerez. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us in the upcoming winter break: there are plenty of margins for improvement: we will analyse the data from these days, where we have been working on macro-sets ups to understand in which direction to go with the development of the F2. There is also space for improvement in electronics, this too a world to be discovered, so let’s say that this experience has given us the right energy and great enthusiasm to continue working in the next few weeks and definitely leave us behind the last championship, which was really suffered».
More, from a press release issued by Petronas Sprinta Racing:
PETRONAS Sprinta Racing end first preseason test for 2019 with good feeling
Khairul Idham Pawi ends three-day test at Jerez in 21st position after building important experience with new bike and team ahead of 2019.
PETRONAS Sprinta Racing have completed a successful three-day test at the Jerez Circuit – Angel Nieto. The first session of the 2019 preseason provided a positive first outing for Khairul Idham Pawi and his new team and bike, with all parties feeling satisfied with their progress. Pawi finished the Jerez test in 21st position and confident that there is plenty of margin for improvement before the season starts.
With his work programme again interrupted by rain on Saturday, the Malaysian’s work was today also conditioned by the combination of both a wet and dry track. The Malaysian rider just contested the first session of the day, clocking up 25 laps and achieving a best time of 1’56.127.
PETRONAS Sprinta Racing now sign off from 2018 and are looking forward to a promising 2019 campaign for the Malaysian outfit.
Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager
“It has been incredible for the whole team to work with the new Kalex, the Triumph engine and this chassis, it was time for something new in Moto2. We are very surprised with Pawi; he is a nice kid and a very good rider. He is giving us some interesting feedback and I think he has a lot of potential. He had a very tough 2018 and we have to help him get his confidence back, which was one of the objectives of this test. We have had quite a bit of dry track time and been able to analyse a few details. We are just missing a lap time because Pawi has given a lot more than the timesheets suggest. Now we are going to take a break before next year, when we return to action for more tests. Thanks to everybody for their hard work!.”
#89 Khairul Idham Pawi
“I am very happy with the work we have done with the team over these three days in Jerez. In dry conditions we improved every time we went out, and even though we struggled a bit more in the wet we have plenty of time ahead to work on things and improve. I am satisfied with the test, it has been a very positive experience and I am looking forward to getting back on track in the next one in 2019.”
More, from a press release issued by Angel Nieto Team:
CARDELÚS SHINES IN MIXED CONDITIONS, DIXON STRONG IN THE WET
Ángel Nieto Team riders finish inside the Top 10 on the final day of testing at Jerez
The Moto2 World Championship riders now know what awaits them next season with the new Triumph engine for the series. After three days of testing, the thirty riders who will make up the intermediate class grid had their first experience of the big change made for 2019, and now have the entire winter to prepare for the challenge ahead. Luca Marini, Sam Lowes and Álex Márquez closed the test as the fastest riders. The quickest on Day 3 were Steven Odendaal, Dominique Aegerter and Ángel Nieto Team rider Xavi Cardelús.
Cardelús and teammate Jake Dixon were two of the best performing riders on Sunday, with the Andorran third in the last session of the day, held in mixed conditions. He set a 1:47.551 best lap from his fifteen attempts and felt comfortable on his bike, but will continue working with his team to finetune the setup of his KTM. Dixon topped the timesheets at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in the first session, run in the wet. The Briton, who completed fifteen laps today in the morning session, set a time of 1:52.775. One of his targets for 2019 is to repeat his first position in the dry.
3rd Xavi Cardelús 1:47.551 (51 laps): “We leave Jerez happy with the work that we’ve done, and hungry for more. We were competitive, but we still have to finetune the setup in order to give our all. In the afternoon we only put in a few laps because of the rain; it wasn’t really drying out later on. The track was in a delicate state, but I felt comfortable. We tried something that we weren’t able to yesterday, and it helped me.”
10th Jake Dixon 1:52.775 (15 laps): “It was a good day overall. Finishing top in the rain is really good, but the next target will be to go top in the dry. The main thing today was to work on finding a good riding position. We have to improve our corner entry in the dry, because in the wet we have a very good feeling. We’ve had a good test, the team have done a good job and I can’t wait to get back on the bike -although now we will have to wait until 2019.”