Cortese nips first Moto3 pole of season

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Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took the first ever Moto3™ pole position for Sunday's Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar after posting the fastest lap at the very end of Saturday's qualifying session. The German rider's final effort of 2'08.188 was enough to seal prime position on the grid by a margin of just 0.016s ahead of Maverick Viñales (Blusens Avintia).


Spanish rider Viñales – whose top time from FP2 was faster than Cortese's pole – looked set to take first position on the timesheet with his time of 2'08.204 until Cortese's late salvo, with Louis Rossi (Racing Team Germany) completing the front row following a strong session.

Luis Salom (RW Racing GP) led the session towards the end but eventually had to settle for fourth position, and the Spaniard will be joined on the second row by Niklas Ajo (TT Motion Events Racing) and rookie Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI).

Starting the season-opening race from the third row will be Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Airasia-SIC-Ajo), Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0'0) and another debutant Arthur Sissis (Red Bull KTM Ajo).

British rider Danny Kent (Red Bull KTM Ajo) ended the session 12th fastest and will therefore begin from row four, whilst compatriot Danny Webb was 25th quickest on the Mahindra Racing machine. Italian Simone Grotzkyj (Ambrogio Next Racing) had a crash with 10 minutes of the session left, and qualified in 29th.

The Moto3 riders will be back on track at 9.20pm local time on Saturday evening for their 20-minute warm up session prior to Sunday's race.

1 Sandro CORTESE Red Bull KTM Ajo 2'08.188 

2 Maverick VIÑALES Blusens Avintia 2'08.204 0.016 / 0.016

3 Louis ROSSI Racing Team Germany 2'08.303 0.115 / 0.099

4 Luis SALOM RW Racing GP Kalex 2'08.566 0.378 / 0.263

5 Niklas AJO TT Motion Events Racing 2'08.734 0.546 / 0.168

6 Romano FENATI Team Italia FMI 2'08.799 0.611 / 0.065

7 Zulfahmi KHAIRUDDIN AirAsia-Sic-Ajo 2'08.847 0.659 / 0.048

8 Miguel OLIVEIRA Estrella Galicia 0,0 2'08.926 0.738 / 0.079

9 Arthur SISSIS Red Bull KTM Ajo 2'09.001 0.813 / 0.075

10 Alexis MASBOU Caretta Technology 2'09.107 0.919 / 0.106

11 Alessandro TONUCCI Team Italia FMI 216.0 2'09.119 0.931 / 0.012

12 Danny KENT Red Bull KTM Ajo 2'09.126 0.938 / 0.007

13 Alex RINS Estrella Galicia 0,0 2'09.139 0.951 / 0.013

14 Alberto MONCAYO Bankia Aspar Team 218.3 2'09.370 1.182 / 0.231

15 Brad BINDER RW Racing GP 216.5 2'09.560 1.372 / 0.190

16 Hector FAUBEL Bankia Aspar Team 2'09.869 1.681 / 0.309

17 Jasper IWEMA Moto FGR 2'09.876 1.688 / 0.007

18 Alan TECHER Technomag-CIP-TSR 2'09.991 1.803 / 0.115

19 Jakub KORNFEIL Redox-Ongetta-Centro Seta 215.7 2'10.142 1.954 / 0.151

20 Niccolo ANTONELLI San Carlo Gresini Moto3 2'10.150 1.962 / 0.008

21 Efren VAZQUEZ JHK T-Shirt Laglisse 2'10.577 2.389 / 0.427

22 Ivan MORENO Andalucia JHK Laglisse 215.1 2'10.760 2.572 / 0.183

23 Marcel SCHROTTER Mahindra Racing 2'11.055 2.867 / 0.295

24 Adrian MARTIN JHK T-Shirt Laglisse 2'11.264 3.076 / 0.209

25 Danny WEBB Mahindra Racing 2'11.317 3.129 / 0.053

26 Jack MILLER Caretta Technology 2'11.461 3.273 / 0.144

27 Isaac VIÑALES Ongetta-Centro Seta 2'11.651 3.463 / 0.190

28 Kenta FUJII Technomag-CIP-TSR 2'12.845 4.657 / 1.194

29 Simone GROTZKYJ Ambrogio Next Racing 2'12.960 4.772 / 0.115

30 Luigi MORCIANO Ioda Team Italia 2'13.024 4.836 / 0.064

31 Toni FINSTERBUSCH Cresto Guide MZ Racing 2'13.254 5.066 / 0.230

32 Jonas FOLGER IodaRacing Project 2'13.695 5.507 / 0.441

source: MotoGP Official

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Cortese heads up final Moto3 practice

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Sandro Cortese was the quickest rider in the third and final practice at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, with Romano Fenati and Luis Salom completing the top three. The German was unable to better Maverick Viñales' FP2 time however which remains the fastest so far, as the Spaniard placed fourth in the last session.

Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was the fastest rider in the third and final practice in Qatar on Friday, as the Moto3™ class ran its final preparations before Saturday's qualifying session. The German rider posted a best time of 2'08.342 to top the timesheet in the 40-minute run, and then pulled off a great save at the end to avoid tarnishing his session with a late crash.

Despite being the best of the session Cortese's time was still not the fastest of the three practices combined. That lap remains Maverick Viñales' (Blusens Avintia) effort from FP2 (2'08.160) which the young Spaniard set on Friday.

Second to Cortese in FP3 was Italian rookie Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI), who continued to generate excitement about his World Championship debut with a lap of 2'08.376, just 0.034s off top spot. Luis Salom (RW Racing GP) completed the top three at a tenth-of-a-second off Cortese, with Viñales fourth in the final session and just 0.135s off P1.

Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0'0), Danny Kent (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Alex Rins (Estrella Galicia 0'0) were the final three riders within a second of the top time in the practice, and Héctor Faubel (Bankia Aspar Team), Alexis Masbou (Caretta Technology) and another newcomer Niccolò Antonelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Moto3) completed the top 10.

Louis Rossi (Racing Team Germany) and Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Airasia-SIC-Ajo) occupied 11th and 12th positions respectively, and both ended the session with crashes. Jonas Folger's (Iodaracing Project) problematic weekend continued as he encountered further technical issues during the session.

The Moto3 riders will be back on track on Saturday at 6pm local time for qualifying.

source: MotoGP Official

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Vinales cements top spot in FP2

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Maverick Viñales (Blusens Avintia) retained his status as the fastest Moto3 rider on the opening day of the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, topping the second practice session after going fastest in the first run earlier on Thursday. Viñales' time of 2'08.160 was 0.498s clear of second place, as the talented young Spaniard set a scorching marker for the rest of the field.

Malaysian rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Airasia-SIC-Ajo) led the charge behind Viñales with a time of 2'08.658, with Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Danny Kent putting a problematic first session behind him to time in third quickest at 2'08.967.

Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0'0) was the last rider under 2'09” with an effort of 2'08.979, and his rookie team-mate Alex Rins (Estrella Galicia 0'0) rounded off an impressive day by placing fifth in the order. With his time of 2'09.107 Rins was the last rider to get within a second of leader Viñales.

Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Alberto Moncayo (Bankia Aspar Team), Louis Rossi (Racing Team Germany), Héctor Faubel (Bankia Aspar Team) and Niccolò Antonelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Moto3) completed the top 10 on a day on which the Moto3 class made its World Championship bow.

British rider Danny Webb (Mahindra Racing) closed the session 20th fastest, whilst German Jonas Folger (Iodaracing Project) endured a tough day, only riding three laps in FP2.

source: MotoGP Official

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Vinales leads first-ever Moto3 practice in Qatar

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The new Moto3™ machines made their World Championship debut on Thursday in the first practice session of the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, as the 2012 season got underway beneath the Losail International Circuit floodlights.

The new 250cc four-stroke bikes were the first out on track in the day's schedule for a 40-minute session, and it was the 2011 125cc Rookie of the Year Maverick Viñales (Blusens Avintia) who set the fastest time on board his FTR Honda as he set the bar with a best time of 2'09.762.

Making it an FTR Honda one-two at the top of the timesheet was Louis Rossi (Racing Team Germany), who with his time of 2'09.980 was the only other rider under 2'10”.

Spanish rider Luis Salom (RW Racing GP) was third in the order on his Kalex KTM at just over half-a-second off Viñales with a 2'10.301, and Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0'0) was fourth and the last within a second of top spot thanks to his best lap of 2'10.385.

Completing the top ten on the timesheet were Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo), rookie Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI), Niklas Ajo (TT Motion Events Racing), Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Airasia-SIC-Ajo), Héctor Faubel (Bankia Aspar Team) and Alexis Masbou (Caretta Technology).

British rider Danny Webb (Mahindra Racing) was 15th at the end of the session, whilst Red Bull KTM Ajo's Danny Kent endured a tough first practice, as technical issues restricted him to just seven laps.

The Moto3 riders have a second practice session later on Thursday.

source: motogp official

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Moto3 to debut in Qatar

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A new era begins at the 2012 Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar with the debut of Moto3™, the 250cc four-stroke bikes brought in to replace the former 125cc machines which had been a part of the World Championship since its beginnings in 1949.

The pre-season has hinted at an exciting new generation of machinery and an intense level of competition, with 32 riders competing for the honour of being crowned the first-ever Moto3™ World Champion.

A core of riders will be labelled as favourites following their exploits in both the 125s and pre-season, with the likes of Maverick Viñales (Blusens Avintia), Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Héctor Faubel (Bankia Aspar) being three such names. All Grand Prix winners, the trio will be accompanied by a number of promising talents in trying to start the season with a strong result in Qatar.

Danny Kent (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has been impressive in pre-season, whilst Alberto Moncayo (Bankia Aspar), Luis Salom (RW Racing GP), and Jonas Folger (Iodaracing Project) all have solid experience.

Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0'0) makes a return to the World Championship after debuting last year, and Efrén Vázquez (JHK T-Shirt Laglisse), Danny Webb (Mahindra Racing), Zulfahmi Khairuddin (AirAsia-SIC-Ajo) and Jasper Iwema (Moto FGR) all know their way around the World Championship circuits well.

Joining the World Championship for their first seasons will be 11 new riders, as the talent continues to filter through to the big stage. 2011 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup runner-up Arthur Sissis rides for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team in 2012, and his fellow former Rookies Cup riders Frenchman Alan Techer (Technomag-CIP-TSR) and South African Brad Binder (RW Racing GP) also make the step up to Moto3™ as they attempt to get off to good starts at Losail.

Other new faces will include Italian prospects Niccolò Antonelli (San Carlo Gresini Moto3) and Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI), the latter of whom took the Jerez Test by storm, and Japanese rider Kenta Fujii (Technomag-CIP-TSR).

The first Moto3™ practice session gets underway at 6pm local time on Thursday, with the race scheduled for 7pm local time on Sunday.

source: MotoGP Official

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Aspar shows off full 2012 project

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The Mapfre Convention Centre in Madrid was the setting for a special presentation by the Aspar Team on Wednesday, as owner Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez discussed his 2012 project.

The Spanish team, which unveiled its MotoGP™ line-up last week in Valencia, showed off a video presentation detailing its project across all three World Championship classes, including Moto2™ and Moto3™.

“Every year we set ourselves bigger challenges,” said Martinez, “and year after year we achieve our goals. Last year we were once again 125cc World Champions, we don’t want to stop growing and the base of our team is excellent. In Moto3 we have a challenge, to be the best again, and in Moto2 we have two World Champions who’ll fight for the highest possible targets. In MotoGP we have a big challenge in front of us, to be the best in the new (CRT) concept within the premier class.”

Experienced rider Hector Faubel, who will ride in Moto3, stated that his sole aim this year will be to fight for the title, whilst Alberto Moncayo was highly satisfied with how his pre-season had gone.

Returning to the Moto2 category, in which he won the title in 2010, Toni Elias said he aims to be able to fight for a victory at the season-opening race in Qatar in just over a week, while 2011 125cc Champion and 2012 Moto2 rookie Nico Terol said he had made very good progression throughout the pre-season in his adaptation to the class.

source: MotoGP Official

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Hector Faubel: "This season I want to be consistent and fair"

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After participating in all displacements except in his 11 years MotoGP World Championship at Hector Faubel faces a new challenge, Moto3, the new small class of MotoGP. Hector hopes to be a protagonist in this unprecedented adventure that will start next April 8 in Tasting. The 'grandfather' of the category expected to impose their experience against a battalion of young people hungry for wins.

Where have you noticed the biggest differences between a 125 and a Moto3?

Mainly in weight. The 125 is much lighter and lively. The beauty of a four-stroke Moto3 is that you can accelerate much earlier in the output of the curves, so to speak, is a bike flatter, more docile. I think nobody expected to evolve so quickly. We have not yet reached speeds of 125 but will not be long, the concept has evolved rapidly Moto3. 

Tell us about the winter. . .

It was quite long, we have not taken a vacation because we had to shoot a lot with the Moto3. Being new has been to work hard, give every indication to achieve a rapid evolution.

How about the filming of season?

In terms of miles the preseason has been excellent, we have turned a lot. In the last test in Jerez saw that we still had to take a small step, but it sure will continue to grow in Catar to have any chance of a podium at least.

¿Wishes for 2012?

This season I pray regularly, I also hope to be fighting for the podium every race. Surely if these two conditions are met, at the end of the year we will be fighting for the title.

What more can you ask the Kalex / KTM?

All we can ask now is to improve a little entry into the corners and make a little more torque, but we're working on it. 

What about your strengths?

The main advantage of the Kalex / KTM is that you can accelerate very quickly, also engine braking helps us a lot, this makes it an easy bike ride. Having so much torque, but you cueles a bit in some curve, inertia takes you out of it without compromise.

What result will be pleased Hector Faubel at the end of the season?

I am content to continue doing things well and without errors, the result we'll see. Lying if I did not recognize that I'd be world champion.

When can think of the first victory?

It is early to think about winning a race. We walked with the bases quite clear in Jerez, but there are still things to do in Tasting. We must continue on this line and think, why not, the victory may arrive soon. 

¿Objectives for next season?

We've been in this category to fight for the title, we aim to go all out to try to get what we want.

Who can give the bell in Moto3?

The FTR / Honda rolled quickly in Jerez, but we have also been very effective during the winter, so there is no clear favorite, but rather a number of candidates. 

What is the Kalex / KTM Moto3?

One of the major strengths of this bike is its stability in both axes. We have adapted well to the Kalex / KTM, and we have defined a very productive working career, it's going to be useful for the rest of the season. 

Hector Faubel, the oldest driver in the category. . .

Yes, this year I have to be the oldest driver in the category, I hope for good. In the World Championship which is the regular premium, I use my experience to be a constant and regular pilot. Over the years I learned to temper my nerves, a factor in the face of racing.

How do you feel Hector Faubel in the Aspar Team?

'Aspar' is more like a family to me, I have spent much time on your computer, my greatest accomplishments have come with him. I understand the Aspar team as my circle of friends, the people who help me and always makes me go further.

source: motocuatro

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picture: Avintia Racing Presentation

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picture of Avintia Racing Presentation 

source: motoblog.it

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Avintia Racing presents three-category 2012 line-up

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The Spanish team held an event in Jerez in which its rider line-up for the MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes was officially unveiled.

Following the conclusion of the Moto2™ and Moto3™ Test at the Jerez circuit on Wednesday – and prior to the commencement of the MotoGP™ Test on Thursday at the same track – Avintia Racing showed off its ambitious 2012 project, presenting the riders and machines which will compete across all three World Championship categories.

As well as MotoGP™ riders Iván Silva and Yonny Hernández, Moto2™ entry Julián Simón and Moto3™ rider Maverick Viñales, a number of team and sponsor representatives were also present.

Raúl Romero, Avintia Racing co-owner and MotoGP™ Team Manager, was delighted to be able to unveil an exciting line-up for 2012, and said: “We've grown into a new team which now has all the experience of BQR and the managerial vision which Avintia will bring. Along with the support of Blusens and our other supporters, we've been able to put together a project that would otherwise never have been possible. I'm thrilled to be able to present the Avintia Racing team here today, and to be able to say that we'll be competing in all three classes. In Moto2™ and Moto3™ we can finish in the podium positions regularly, and to be in MotoGP™ is a dream come true.”

Talking about the CRT project, he added: “Our technical team and mechanics have developed a bike which we expect will be very competitive amongst the CRT entries, and with which we will work hard to show that Avintia Racing is in MotoGP™ to stay. We have great confidence in the whole team and of course in our riders. Iván Silva is an experienced rider and Yonny comes up from Moto2™ with a lot of motivation to learn. I genuinely believe we will be able to enjoy a great season.”

Ricard Jové (Team Manager for the Moto2™ and Moto3™ projects) commented on the prospects of Simón and Viñales, and added: “We have great bikes, a strong technical team and of course fantastic riders. It's super to have Julián Simón in our Moto2™ team, he's a World Champion and is eager to repeat that achievement. In Moto3™ we have the hugely talented Maverick Viñales, who will undoubtedly be one of the favourites in the category. I do however want to stress that we need to remain calm and patient.”

The riders themselves were clearly more than ready to start the season. Hernández spoke about his “dream” move up to the MotoGP™ category, and said the pre-season had gone well, whilst Silva said that he hoped to exploit his previous experience of riding similarly powerful machinery.

Simón said he felt “strong” and that he is “sure we will have a great year”, whilst Viñales commented on his satisfaction at having the same team around him as he did in his rookie year in 2011.

source: MotoGP Official

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pictures: Repsol Riders Jerez Test 2012

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picture of Marc Marquez, Miguel Oliviera, Maverick Vinales, and Alex Rins on action shot

source: plusmoto

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Danny Kent storms to superb second after big crash

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Danny Kent bounced back superbly from a high-speed crash on the final day of Moto3 testing in Jerez to finish second quickest on the overall timesheets.

Kent was three-quarters into a planned eight-lap long run on used Dunlop tyres when he high-sided at the fast Turn 12 right-hander.

The 18-year-old luckily escaped injury and the Red Bull KTM rider showed the high-speed spill did little to dent his confidence as he returned to the track to clock a personal best lap of 1.47.262 in the afternoon session.

That left him second with only Moto3 pre-season favourite Maverick Vinales faster. The Spaniard clocked a best time of 1.46.838.

Kent, who topped the timesheets at the previous test in Jerez, said: “It has been another good test and I’m really happy. At the start of the week I didn’t feel quite as confident as I did in the last Jerez test.

"But we changed the set-up back to three weeks ago and I made a big step forward. Now I am going to Qatar for the first race with a lot of confidence but keeping my feet on the ground.”

Explaining the high-side accident he added: “We wanted to see how the bike performed on old tyres and the rear stepped out. I saved it but it gripped and threw me off.

"The good thing is it didn’t knock my confidence at all and I went back out and set my fastest lap of the test.”

source: MCN

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Viñales confirms pre-season Moto3 form

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Maverick Viñales rounded off the Jerez Test as the quickest rider, ahead of Danny Kent and Romano Fenati in the final pre-season outing.

Spanish rider Maverick Viñales (Avintia Racing Moto3) underlined his status as one of the main title favourites for 2012 with the fastest Moto3™ time of the Jerez Test on the third and final day on Wednesday, leading the way with a best effort of 1’46.838. The Spaniard set his time in the mixed morning session, during which he also crashed without injury, and was the only rider under 1’47".

At 0.424s behind Danny Kent (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was the closest to Viñales’ pace in a time of 1’47.262, ahead of World Championship newcomer Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI). The young Italian was a further 0.146s behind Kent, rounding off an extremely impressive Test.

Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Malaysian rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin (AirAsia-SIC-Ajo) completed the top five, both within seven-tenths of a second of Viñales, with Niccolò Antonelli (San Carlo Gresini Moto3) the final rider to get within a second of top spot. Alberto Moncayo (Bankia Aspar), Estrella Galicia 0'0 team-mates Miguel Oliveira and Alex Rins, and Louis Rossi (Racing Team Germany) completed the top 10.

Further down the timesheet Arthur Sissis (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was 14th fastest, whilst Danny Webb (Mahindra Racing) finished the Test 21st fastest overall having been unable to improve on his time since Monday.

source: MotoGP Official

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Danny Kent third but seeking more confidence

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Danny Kent maintained his impressive pre-season testing form in the new Moto3 four-stroke class today when he ended the second day of the final test in Jerez with the third quickest time.

The British teenager set a best pace of 1.47.854 to finish behind pre-season title favourite Maverick Vinales and Red Bull KTM team-mate Sandro Cortese.

Kent finished 0.468s behind Spaniard Vinales, who led the way with a best lap of 1.47.386, which was marginally faster than Cortese’s best pace of 1.47.414 on the opening day.

Kent, who dominated the previous winter test in Jerez, said he was struggling to ride with the same confident feeling this week.

He put that down to an increase in track temperature with the Jerez track again basking in glorious sunshine, though the day was affected by a strong wind blowing.

He told MCN: “I’m still not 100% there and I don’t feel as confident with the bike as I did at the last test. I’m not as confident in the slower corners. Before I could get on the throttle and keep the line.

"But now I get on the throttle and the bike wants to push wide and when I pull it back in it starts to slide. But that could be down to the way I am riding and I’ll have a look at the data. With the hotter temperature, the tyres seem to be reacting a lot differently.

"At the last test they were good for the first four laps but they were really good. But now they last a lot longer but the grip in my opinion is not as good. We’ve got to change the set-up of the bike for it to suit these conditions better.”

Mahindra rider Danny Webb had a disastrous second day and he was languishing down in 22nd place on the timesheets.

His day was dictated by persistent engine problems and he ended with a best time of 1.50.549 to finish over three seconds off the pace.

He was over a second slpwer than the first day and he told MCN: "It has been a disaster. We had an engine problem all day and I think I only managed to get in five decent laps. We've got loads of work to do on the engine to get it more consistent and more powerful."

source: MCN

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Maverick Viñales: "Without much wind could have broken the record for 125cc"

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Despite the wind early in the morning has forced more than yesterday delayed the departure of pilots to track, Viñales, Oliveira and Rins have returned to enjoy a productive day's work in Jerez, where the sun and warm temperatures have allowed to continue with the plan of work for three days. Viñales has started quietly, with shooting his Moto3 to be gradually increasing the pace to set a time of 1 minute, 47 seconds and 386 milliseconds, after completing 40 laps in the joint session with the Moto2 riders.

Oliveira has come to court prepared to continue the development and adaptation to the Suter of Moto3 with that in just over two weeks will start the World Tasting. The Portuguese has completed the first part of the day stopping the clock with the fifth fastest -1 minutes, 48 ​​seconds and 717 milliseconds, after completing 48 laps. His teammate, Alex Rins started the day among the fastest and confirmed in the first group of 15 -14 º -, with a time of 1'49 .552 seconds after 25 laps.

At four o'clock, Moto3 pilots have arranged an hour with the track only for them, which Viñales was again the fastest. After completing 17 laps, the Repsol rider stopped the clock with a best time of 1 minute, 47 seconds and 571 thousandths. Oliveira has continued working on the development of his bike and was not able to lower their records morning, when stopping the clock at 1 minute, 48 seconds and 864 milliseconds, while problems have prevented Rins unit back out on track .

Maverick Viñales: "I am very happy because today's results have been good, we've improved the behavior of the chassis and engine. We are working Tasting focused, especially with the tires. also looking for an escape that would meet all the requirements, which give us acceleration and top speed, and is found. It is unfortunate that today has done so much wind because we could have broken the record here in Jerez 125cc, hopefully tomorrow will be better time to move forward. We have to work on the chassis to turn the bike a little longer to open the throttle before-and finish tuning the engine, with that we'll be ready ".

Miguel Oliveira: "I am satisfied with the work we are doing together with my team. Today, the second day of practice, we continued with our plan, testing different technical aspects and resolving outstanding issues we were yesterday. We have made ​​many tests with the moto.Nos settings is to improve our pace lap, especially as far as concerns the fast laps. Tomorrow we will continue working in the same way we did today. I think we are evolving gradually and if we keep working well, get ready for the first race of the season. "

Alex Rins: "In the morning we started training with very good pace and then we found comfortable with the bike. We had the opportunity to try different configurations until a technical problem with the control of the bike has prevented us to continue with our training schedule. Despite the setback, I am satisfied with the work we are doing. My team worked very hard to have the bike ready for practice tomorrow, so I can only thank them. "

source: Motocuatro

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Viñales closes second day fastest in Moto3

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Maverick Viñales was the quickest rider as the second day at Jerez came to a conclusion, with Sandro Cortese and Danny Kent completing the top three.

Maverick Viñales (Avintia Racing Moto3) set the fastest Moto3™ lap of the day – and the Test so far – at Jerez on Tuesday, posting a best time of 1'47.386 on his FTR machine in the mixed morning session.

The 2011 125cc Rookie of the Year set his best time with the Moto2™ bikes sharing the track in the combined run, whilst his closest challenger on the timesheet Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo) set his fastest lap of 1'47.625 in the Moto3™-only afternoon session. Whilst not improving on his morning effort later in the day, Viñales still managed to fit in a tiring 17 laps in the 50-minute run.

Following Cortese in third was the German's team-mate Danny Kent (+0.468s on Viñales), the young British rider the third and final man to get under 1'48” and who, like Viñales, set his best time in the morning. Monday's quickest rider Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI) was fourth by the end of Tuesday, and the last rider within a second of Viñales. The young Italian was unable to match his performance from the previous day, at almost a second off his own best lap from Monday.

Alexis Masbou (Caretta Technology) was fifth, with Niccolò Antonelli (San Carlo Gresini Moto3), Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0'0), Bankia Aspar pair Alberto Moncayo and Héctor Faubel, and third Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Arthur Sissis completing the top 10.

Australian rider Jack Miller (Caretta Technology) and Brit Danny Webb (Mahindra Racing) ended the day in 19th and 22nd positions respectively. The red flag was out briefly after a crash for Spanish rider Iván Moreno (Andalucia JHK Laglisse), who escaped unharmed from his fall.

source: MotoGP Official

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Maverick Viñales: "I've shot with rubber tired thinking about race, not looking for a fast lap"

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The Jerez circuit has been chosen to play on stage, from today until next Wednesday, the last official test of the preseason Moto3. On this first day, Maverick Viñales has remained among the fastest drivers in the official timesheets, finishing the day second. Miguel Oliveira, who set the seventh fastest time, has continued his research on the new chassis Suter. Teammate Alex Rins has certified his recovery from shoulder injury, rolling without discomfort and marking the fifteenth fastest time.

These tests have allowed gauge the preparedness of the riders and their mounts. In this sense, Maverick Viñales highlighted ranking among the fastest drivers on this first day with a best time of 1 minute, 47 seconds and 755 thousandths. Just an amazing Roman Fenati end has 3/10 in front of him.

Less than a second of Viñales is over Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese has dedicated this day to work with the Suter chassis which debuted just 10 days ago in training held in Albacete. The Repsol rider continued polishing the teething problems of this element, which has not prevented him finishing in seventh place with a record of 1 minute, 48 seconds and 614 thousandths.

After missing much of spring training, Alex Rins has proved that his shoulder injury is history and completed the day with virtually no physical discomfort. The young driver has in these workouts a good opportunity to continue their process of adaptation to the bike and equipment. On this first day at Jerez, work on his Honda has led him to sign a best time of 1 minute, 49 seconds and 632 thousandths.

Maverick Viñales:  "I felt very good. We have done testing on the chassis and engine and we slowly improving. I've noticed a lot of developments in the chassis and we are almost able to match the time set in the last test in Jerez, but we must continue working to improve the times. I've noticed very comfortable today, we shot a lot with worn tires thinking about racing and not looking for a fast lap. "

Miguel Oliveira:  "It went pretty well, trying to go fast from the start and putting us first thing in the front group. We have worked with Suter and we have improved in many aspects and details. With the team we have tried to understand how he reacted the bike to the changes that we made ​​and I have tried to keep adjusting to the bike to know more. The rate achieved is quite good and better than the last made ​​in this circuit. We continue to improve tomorrow. "

Alex Rins:  "It was a positive day and I'm very happy, because I'm pretty good shoulder, I had almost no discomfort. I need to familiarize myself with the team and the bike is completely new. In practice this morning at the Jerez circuit, one of my favorites, we have come almost to the configuration we had in the 125cc. We have been improving some aspects and have been dating ever. For tomorrow need to find the set-up, but ended the day happy today. "

Source: Repsol via Motocuatro

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Fenati tops Moto timesheet

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Italian rookie Romano Fenati was the quickest Moto3™ rider around Jerez on Monday, the first of three days testing at the circuit, leading the more experienced Maverick Viñales and Danny Kent.

Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI) was the fastest Moto3™ rider at Jerez on Monday, as the Italian rookie led more experienced counterparts on the timesheet with a best lap of 1’47.414. The young Italian, competing on a Honda FTR in his debut World Championship campaign in 2012, was joined under the 1’48” marker by just one other rider, last year’s 125cc Rookie of the Year, Maverick Viñales (Avintia Moto3).

At 0.341s off Fenati, Viñales was the sole rider within half-a-second of the Italian who himself admitted at the conclusion of the day that he had been surprised at the pace he had set on the opening day. Viñales’ time was set in the morning session, when the Moto3™ riders shared the track with their Moto2™ counterparts.

Red Bull KTM duo Danny Kent and Sandro Cortese occupied third and fourth positions respectively, Kent the last rider to get within a full second of the impressive Fenati at 0.660s down on the Italian.

The rest of the field was bunched more closely, with Malaysian rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin (AirAsia-SIC-Ajo), Hector Faubel (Bankia Aspar Moto3) and Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0,0) separated by little more than a tenth of a second from positions five through to seven.

Completing the top ten on day one were Luis Salom (RW Racing), Alberto Moncayo (Bankia Aspar Moto3) and Alexis Masbou (Caretta Technology), with 2011 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup runner-up Arthur Sissis 13th and Brit Danny Webb (Mahindra Racing) in 14th.

source: MotoGP Official

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Jonas Folger lands Ioda ride

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German rider Jonas Folger has announced he will now be racing this season, with the Ioda Racing Project in Moto3.

The winner of last season's British Grand Prix 125cc race at a soaked Silverstone had found himself demoted to the role of substitute rider in the MZ team after they lost a parts supplier to bankruptcy and announced the need to make budget cuts, with Folger finding himself on the receiving end.

This had spurred him on to find a new ride for the upcoming season, with the Ioda ride becoming possible and finalised in time for the upcoming testing at Jerez.

Folger confirmed the news on his official Facebook account “ Today we go to Jerez for the IRTA test! Will test the bike for three days for Ioda Racing and hope I can catch up the training backlog and it all runs smoothly”.

The 18 year old put in a solid performance last season for the Red Bull Ajo Motorsport team, finishing the season sixth overall with three podiums, including his Silverstone win.

The IRTA official test at Jerez is the final test before the season starts and the first for the lower classes to feature official timing.

source: crash.net

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video: Repsol Moto3 Presentation at Madrid

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Young talent Repsol Moto3 at Madrid presentation




source: youtube

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Danny Webb: "My team mate is my main rival"

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A veteran of the 125cc class, Danny Webb makes the change to Moto3 category with his Mahindra Racing Team, after the Indian outfit made their World Championship debut last year. We spoke to the soon to be 21 year old to find out his expectations for the season against the mighty KTM and Hondas.

How are you feeling after the two tests? 

"I feel good. We’ve got a few things to sort out but the team went out testing on Monday with Riccardo [Moretti –Mahindra test rider] where they said they've improved the bike.Hopefully they've improved the last little bits that we need and we should be there, because we´re not too far off.We´re still in the early stages of developing the bike whereas KTM and Honda have been developing their bikes for quite a while, so I think it´s going good for us. I've got used to the bike, the 4-stroke, pretty quickly so I think if we can improve these last few bits we should be there."

Which areas you need to improve on? 

"We need to improve the acceleration a bit and we need to work on our engine braking. We just need to do a few bits and when we get them sorted we should be good."

How is riding the 4-stroke? 

"It’s really good fun. At the moment we´re sliding about a bit going into the corners and it’s all good fun doing that, but that’s not bringing us the lap times. I think that’s where KTM and Honda are getting the time on us, so when we sort that out we can be there."

In what areas do you think the Mahindra is still behind on the KTM and Honda packages? 

"I think more on the entry and exit of the corner. In the middle of fast corners we’re OK and we can run behind Viñales and those kinds of guys up front. It’s just in slower corners where you have to brake heavily and shift down through the gears and just the initial grunt to come out of the corner."

How confident are you of addressing these issues early enough in the season? 

"I’m confident. The team are working hard and the atmosphere is a lot different compared to last year. I’m as fit as I´ve been in all my career, so I’m ready and I think the team are ready for this challenge."

What has made the atmosphere change this year? 

"All the team want to improve and all seem very interested in what the bike is doing. It’s not even just the chassis side, they’re interested in what the engine is doing as well. I don’t know why the atmosphere has changed, I suppose it’s like having a new life; we can start again with Moto3 and all get our heads down. With this fresh start, if we work hard then there’s no reason why we can’t be at the front."

What are your expectations for this year? 

"My expectation is to be in the top 10 at the beginning and then push through to the top five. My confidence with the bike is really, really high and when we get these things sorted out, I’m sure we can ride up front. I don’t want to get too confident and then have things go wrong, I just want to take things step by step."

How much have you had to change your riding style for the Moto3 bike? 

"Quite a bit! But I’ve found it quite easy to change my riding style as I think the 4-stroke engine suits my style more than the 2-stroke. When it’s sliding about going into corners, I suppose I like being more aggressive with the bike and with this bike you can be more aggressive."

How involved are you and team-mate Marcel Schrotter in bike development at the moment? 

"Marcel and I work closely together, so we put our feedback together and explain to the team what we’re feeling and then of course the team can see it on the data, so they know what we’re talking about. I think it’s good that Marcel and I work so close together because Mahindra have both riders saying the same thing."

Are you and Marcel similar riders? Do you give similar feedback? 

"Yes we do, apart from chassis-wise, where he goes a different way from me because he rides a bit differently. Apart from that we´re pretty similar and we seem to be having the same sort of feeling with the engine. We´re good friends as well and I think that´s what works because we don´t mind sharing data and helping each other out."

Who do you see as the favourites this year and who are your rivals?

"I think Viñales is going to be good, and Cortese too. Most of the factory KTM boys are going to be up there because they’ve got a very good bike underneath them. I think Marcel and I can run up with them. We both know that we’re have about the same level and speed, so Marcel is probably one of my main rivals. He´s my team-mate and I know he’s a good rider so I’ll be out there to beat him."

source: MotoGP Official

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