Max Neukirchner it "collides" with a Moto3

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A pre-season 2012 is not easy for Max Neukirchner . The former star of the World Superbike Championship, his second season in Moto2 this time riding the KALEX World Champion in charge of the Kiefer Racing, has not experienced a few problems in the recent three-day test in Jerez de la Frontera. The engine failure and a "clash" in the final day of activities with a Moto3 unidentified, have forced the German driver to stop the work program.

Unable to climb in the standings, Neukirchner still managed to go 113 laps in 3 days looking for the best harmony with KALEX Moto2 . With three weeks of rest from here to the next tests in Jerez de la Frontera always, Max will have time to think about a solution to the problems encountered so far.

"Of course I can not be satisfied with these tests , "says Max Neukirchner. " We just shot the first two days, more in the final test day I crashed at Turn 6 to avoid a Moto3. We lost precious time to make all repairs, so I managed to take only a few laps in the final.

Despite these drawbacks, we now know where to work. For myself I have to change my driving style to adapt better to the KALEX: happily come back to try here in Jerez next month, the ideal to compare the data collected in this session. "

source: bikeracing.it

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Neukirchner replaces champion Bradl at Kiefer

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Max Neukirchner has been tapped as the replacement for 2011 Moto2 Champion Stefan Bradl at Kiefer Racing following his encouraging first year in the series.

The German made the move to Moto2 for 2011 following several seasons in the World Superbike Championship, during which time he scored two race wins and ten podiums.

Riding a 2010-specification FTR under the MZ Racing banner, Neukirchner adapted well to the rigours of prototype machinery, taking his lesser developed machine to the points in seven of the opening eight races.

Though his results weren't so accomplished in the second-half of the year, a ninth place finish in the season-ending Valencia GP helped him to 20th in the standings and capture the attention of Kiefer Racing, who were keen to replace its champion with another German rider. As such, Neukirchner will get a 2012-specification Kalex chassis to ride next year, much to his delight.

"I'm thrilled about starting next year with the Kiefer Racing team in the Moto2 class. I'm also glad I'll get to ride a Kalex. A while ago I tried it out, just sitting on it and even then it was a very positive feeling.”

"I wish I could start now, but because of the testing ban for Moto2 teams over the winter, unfortunately I can't. We are beginning in February with the first private tests and then we'll attend the official IRTA tests," he continued. “For the moment, my goals for next year are to be consistently in the top 10 and try for a few podiums. But I wouldn't be angry if I did even better than that.”

With Bradl heading to MotoGP to ride for LCR Honda, team manager Stefan Kiefer is pleased to have Neukirchner coming on board.

"We are delighted that we were able to sign with Max, a top-class German rider. Since we have known him for a long time, we also expect to work very well together. With Max and the Kalex Moto2, we have a very good package for a successful 2012 season in Moto2."

source: crash

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