Significant Improvement from Aspar Rider

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Both Randy De Puniet and Aleix Espargaró scratch more than a second and a half time of the opening session, and we look with optimism on the day of qualifying

Today was the opening shift MotoGP action at the Losail circuit, and have also been the premier class riders who have enjoyed two training sessions in preparation for the Grand Prix race Tasting. Although a batch to the other almost all the drivers have improved markedly their records, the truth is to be released today by the wind, or lack of grip on the asphalt, times yet to come to the roofs of Losail (return of the pole , Stoner 1.54.137 - best lap, Lorenzo 1.53.927). So far the new 1000cc prototype will have to continue rolling to match records obsolete 800cc. Although the end of the second shift Crutchlow has dared at times to sneak in the top of the table, so far the round Cathari is a duel between Lorenzo and Stoner for the best time. Stoner was quickest yesterday, and Lorenzo tonight.

Everything and the conditions were not the best because the Losail continued slippery asphalt, and the wind has been more of a tight spot, POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar riders have continued to improve today. In the first session this afternoon and have lowered their records regarding the opening day of this event Catari, and at the last meeting have returned to lower the clock. Randy De Puniet remains committed to being the best pilot CRT, and squints and motorcycle officers, meanwhile, Aleix Espargaró, has spent all day looking for improvements to the problems of rebounds that appeared yesterday. De Puniet has slipped in turn seven, near the end of the second round and has gone down, a situation that has prevented completion of the thirteenth fastest time, three seconds back, or keep you from work tomorrow for the final formal meeting. Aleix Espargaró has solved many of its drawbacks, and on the penultimate lap of the last trial sealed his best-1.59.169-day to leave the path catarí with the 17th best result.

Randy De Puniet 13 º 1.58.261 (31 laps): "Today we continue to improve in the two working sessions, progress has been made, but still I have the feeling I want. I feel that the track does not have much grip, so today it took me quite evolve. We worked mainly with the hardness of the suspension. With a soft ring configuration secure but slow, hard setting that makes me better times, but I have to drive carefully because she lacks confidence in cornering. At the end of the last turn I lost the bike in front at turn seven, and I have gone down, luckily it was nothing. Tomorrow will be further investigated to achieve a configuration that allows me to quickly turn minimizing risk. Despite the fall I am pleased that we are shooting well, and I know we can still get better results. "

17 º Aleix Espargaró 1.59.169 (27 laps): "We have improved a bit the feeling from the first day, but the result is still far from our purpose. We have worked very hard in both sessions of the second day, and fortunately have been able to correct the bounce we had yesterday. We are in the right way because we are improving, there is now the focus for developments that are greater every day. We need to look more grip in fast areas, today we have taken a step forward, but we can not stop here. Thought to be in more advanced positions, in any case it is a distance race, we must continue working and I'm sure we will improve gradually. If tomorrow we take a step as positive as today, may I be ready to face the race. "

Aspar Press Release

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DePuniet Feeling the New Concept Even Try MotoGP

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Thirteenth and sixteenth positions have been POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar riders in the inaugural session of the 2012 season. Randy De Puniet was again the reference to the new MotoGP prototypes, everything and has made several modifications to the ART in the gearbox and suspensions, which have taken valuable time. The Frenchman, as his teammate Aleix Espargaró, has complained of the lack of grip, but is aware that tomorrow will improve the condition of the asphalt. If the Frenchman has adapted to give their best in this first session of GP Tasting, mate Aleix has been no less. The Granollers has lived several drawbacks for rebounds in the front and sliding on the back, and finally achieved a modicum of improvement for end to 4.2 seconds back as the fourth best driver CRT.  

Randy De Puniet 13 º 1.59.985 (15 laps): "We're back to being the first CRT, which I find very positive. On the other hand I have suffered enough at the level of suspensions, I guess that is normal because it is still the first session, the track was quite dirty and sliding. We tried a couple of changes but have not given us the solution we expected. It has also worked in the electronics and gearbox. It is the first day, we started well but we have not given all the improvements we wanted. Tomorrow will improve security, because we already have a clear idea of where we want to address to improve the behavior of the suspensions. "

16 º Aleix Espargaró 2.00.720 (14 laps): "We started well, but there was not much grip the bike was behaving normally. Has gradually been increasing grip and we mounted the soft rear tire, we have appeared the same problems of landslides that we live in Jerez. The front of the bike also rebounded enough to open the throttle. This is the first session, we will perform further work to understand why. As for the engine, here we thought enough about penalizaríamos factory bikes and top speed has not happened, in powering itself. I think the differences with the front guys can be mitigated, we just keep working. "

source: Aspar Press Release

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De Puniet objective is CRT dominance

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CRT pacesetter Randy de Puniet's first objective this weekend is to cross the line as the leading CRT rider in Qatar for the Power Electronics Aspar team.

The French star has impressed during pre-season on the Aprilia ART and was comfortably the leading CRT representative, posting a time less than a second adrift of factory Ducati superstar Valentino Rossi at the final Jerez test.

De Puniet said: “After pre-season we are ready for the first Grand Prix of the year. From a technical point of view we are ready to race and the communication and relationship within the team is excellent. 

“Personally I am 100% fit and looking forward to getting out on the bike on Thursday. Testing went very well but I am looking forward to feeling the atmosphere of a Grand Prix.”

De Puniet expects to lose a lot of time to the factory Honda, Yamaha and Ducati machines on the long straight on the Losail circuit but his immediate concern is to back up his performance by underlining his status as the top CRT rider in MotoGP.

“I really like the Losail circuit. There will probably be a lot of sand on the track at first so on Thursday and Friday we will have to be extra careful,” he said.

“It has a long straight which will cost us time against the factory bikes but our objective is to be the first CRT bike across the line.”

Aleix Espargaró returns to MotoGP after a season in Moto2 and the Spaniard has also featured prominently in the pre-season tests.

“I am very excited for the season to start because as usual winter has felt like a long time without racing. I enjoy training and testing but I am one of these riders that lives to race,” he said.

“I like Losail a lot because it is fast and that usually suits my style, so I am very much looking forward to starting the season there. I need to control my excitement and channel it into finishing as high up the order as I can. 

“I am really keen on the new concept and I think we're in a position to get some great results.”

source: crash.net

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Elias, Terol sweet on Losail experience

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Mapfre Aspar's Toni Elias feels confident about his chances in Qatar as he begins his quest to win back the Moto2 crown he captured in 2010.

Elias hopes to make more progress with his set-up at the Losail circuit but regardless is optimistic of pushing for a strong result this weekend.

“I really like Losail. The fact we are racing at night and with a film of sand on the track always makes for difficult racing but I still like it a lot,” he said.

“We still need to take a step forward with the set-up but even so we go to Qatar feeling happy and confident about our chances. We are looking forward to the start of the season and the whole team will be working hard from the first session to find something extra. 

“Losail is a pretty fast circuit with some flowing corners and not a lot of grip, due to the humidity and sand.”

His team-mate, Nico Terol – the last ever 125cc world champion – has shown encouraging signs of making a swift transition to four-stroke machines and could spring a few surprises in 2012.

Terol, who has won twice at Losail, said: “I have always had a good feel for the Losail circuit. It has a bit of everything - some fast and slow sections - and racing at night makes it extra special. I always enjoy riding there and I am looking forward to seeing how things go for me in my first race in this category. 

“We have a lot of work to do but I am sure that if we keep working like we have done up to now we can have a good Grand Prix. 

“Racing on Sunday night without a warm-up session could throw up some unexpected surprises so we have to stay focused throughout the whole weekend and keep our rhythm up. I am looking forward to the start of the season.”

source: crash.net

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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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Randy de Puniet ready to lead MotoGP’s CRT revolution

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Randy de Puniet was confirmed as the clear standard-bearer for the new 'Claiming Rule Team' privateer MotoGP class during the final pre-season test at Jerez. 

The new Power Electronics Aspar rider had been expected to head the CRT challenge after previously posting unofficial lap times comparable to satellite MotoGP machines on his Superbike-based Aprilia ART machine. 

But the Jerez test marked the first time all 21 MotoGP race riders - including the nine CRTs - had been on track together, and with official timing. 

de Puniet promptly indicated that the previous reports were correct by outpacing the satellite Ducatis of Hector Barbera and Karel Abraham on his way to eleventh place on day one. 

Day two was effectively a washout, and de Puniet then finished the pre-season in 13th place on Sunday, as the satellite GP12s just edged back ahead of him. de Puniet's best lap was 1.8sec from Honda's Casey Stoner, but both Barbera and Abraham were within 0.31sec. 

The Frenchman, a MotoGP podium finisher for Kawasaki and LCR Honda, thus looks capable of fighting with some of the much more expensive satellite manufacturer machines in the Qatar season opener on April 8. 

"I am satisfied with the test, we have been fast and at the front of the CRT field, not that far off the factory guys,” said de Puniet. “Our pace is good and I think we're ready for the start of the season. 

“I am really happy with the potential of the bike and I think we can perform to a high level on it this season. It is consistent and ready to run race distance.” 

CRT bikes are allowed 3 litres more fuel (race) and six more engine changes (season) relative to the manufacturer machines, but can have their engines and gearbox 'claimed' for 20,000 euros and must not be 'entered' by or 'represent' an MSMA manufacturer. 

Some of the MotoGP manufacturers feel the Aprilia is not within the spirit of the CRT rules, being created by a major factory, but there is little they can now do about it since retracting CRT status mid-season would require majority agreement from the GP Commission. 

While de Puniet looks set to blur the distinction between the MotoGP categories, he may be something of a lone challenger in the early rounds at least. The next best CRT at Jerez, team-mate Aleix Espargaro, being over one-second slower. 

"The good thing is that I am amongst the fastest CRT riders, but we only have to look at my team-mate Randy to see that I can still go faster,” admitted the Spaniard. 

Colin Edwards, the most highly qualified of the CRT riders with twelve MotoGP podiums, was only 17th fastest and nearly 1.5sec from de Puniet. 

source: crash.net

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Aspar duo make headway at Jerez

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Pre-season for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship officially concluded on Sunday, with the last of hundreds of laps in Malaysia, Aragón, Valencia and Jerez taking place at the Andalucian circuit.

The Power Electronics Aspar Team showed their capacity to react, with both riders starting out Sunday morning with front-end grip problems. Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaró worked against the clock throughout the day to improve their suspension and chassis set-up but with particular focus on tyres as they tried to improve corner speed. Short runs of five to seven laps gave them the opportunity to try a variety of combinations and they began to find a breakthrough early in the afternoon. The pair were again the quickest riders amongst the new MotoGP CRT field, giving them confidence for a historic first race with their ART bikes in Qatar.

Randy de Puniet:

"We struggled a lot this morning for front end grip and had to work hard to resolve the issue, it took almost three hours. In the end we went with a tyre that we had tested on Friday and it made a big difference. Apart from the setback this morning I am satisfied with the test, we have been fast and at the front of the CRT field, not that far off the factory guys. Our pace is good and I think we're ready for the start of the season. I am really happy with the potential of the bike and I think we can perform to a high level on it this season. It is consistent and ready to run race distance. I crashed late in the day, probably pushing too hard on a worn front tyre, but luckily it was really slow."

Aleix Espargaró:

"We have had a lot of chattering today, I don't know why, but I struggled to get on the pace this morning. We improved a lot with the new Bridgestone but not enough so we have to keep working. I need more confidence in corner entry. Little by little we managed to set a good pace on a new tyre but we need to find a better solution to improve our mid-corner speed. We have done a lot of work on the chassis and suspension and improved my overall feeling so we'll have to keep working along the same lines in Qatar. The good thing is that I am amongst the fastest CRT riders but we only have to look at my team-mate Randy to see that I can still go faster."

Team Aspar press release

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Power Electronic Aspar Pilots First Turn in the Rain

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Yesterday was opening the test in Jerez with a particularly intense, just the opposite today. The sky was completely black and windy dawn, and what yesterday was a universe of willingness on the part of pilots today has become lazy. Certainly the conditions have not followed much in the second day. The intermittent rain has caused men to MotoGP track peep shyly, and well past noon have not heard the true clash of the premier class. The activity has been largely centralized in three hours, which most pilots have used to control your set-up with the wet floor and little else.

Today was the first day POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar riders have tested their new ART in the wet, and track work has been summarized in 16 turns (eight each), so most of the day they happen doors work inward. Randy and Aleix had several tests pending, but the rain has squandered his plans, and have used to configure their mounts under water conditions. Avoiding any risk maps have tested various electronic traction control. And just today his feeling was very positive.

Randy De Puniet 1.52.397 (8 laps): "Today was a day not too productive, we completed a few laps in the wet to see feelings and little else. I'm happy because in aquatic conditions I have also felt very comfortable and the weather has been good. After eight laps we decided to stop, the route was not in good condition and not worth risking. If tomorrow goes good day continue to work on the suspension and electronics, and testing of tires, to try to push a little more. "

Aleix Espargaró 1.57.718 (8 laps): "The track conditions were dire, we have had to work in the garage most of the day. Never having tried this bike under water, and this afternoon we have several turns to test a specific electronic maps for water. Randy has proven the first and then me. It was found that the traction control works well in the wet. Also we have used to configure the second bike, but all our work is summarized in eight rounds. Hopefully tomorrow the conditions to join us and we can continue working. "

source: Aspar Press Release

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Max Biaggi fans want him to wildcard at Mugello GP

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Max Biaggi fans have never really gotten over the fact that their beloved Roman Emperor was exiled, banned, kicked out (chose whatever term you prefer) of MotoGP and despite their idol having won a World Superbike championship in the meantime and is always fighting for the lead in the WSBK standings, hasn’t squashed the crazy notion of some sort of revenge against the entire GP paddock.

Watching Biaggi’s former arch rival Valentino Rossi struggle on the GP12 during yesterday’s first day of testing at Jerez has given them immense satisfaction and and even more satisfaction seeing that Randy de Puniet on the Aprilia ART was a little more than a tenth of second from the Ducati factory rider and ahead of both Hector Barbera and Karel Abraham on the satellite Ducati’s.

These two factors haven given Biaggi fans the idea that he could really kick a lot of butts on the MotoGP grid if given one of Aspar’s CRT bikes, and want Aprilia to consider giving him a chance to ride at the Mugello GP in July as a wildcard, when the ART has undergone even further electronic development.

It’s a nice pipe dream, but we don’t think Gigi dall’Igna would ever allow Biaggi to wildcard especially if he’s fighting for the title, and the fact that the Italian GP is squeezed squarely between the Motorland Aragon and Brno Superbike rounds doesn’t help, but a MotoGP wildcard ride at the end of the WSBK season could satisfy everyone - including TV ratings, sponsors and give Italian journalists who are still divided in factions something to go crazy over - as their are four races left in the MotoGP season to chose from.

source: twowheelsblog

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pictures: Aspar Moto2 Moto3 Jerez Test 2012

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pictures of Aspar Moto2 Moto3 Jerez Test 2012

source: plusmoto

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Aprilia ART: Technical Specifications

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The Aspar Team has released the following technical specifications for the new ART (Aprilia) CRT MotoGP bike.

Engine Aprilia, four-cylinder V (65 degrees), four-stroke, liquid cooling, double camshaft distribution, four valves per cylinder.

Cylinder Capacity	999 CC
Maximum Power	+ 220 CV
Top Speed	+ 330 KM/H
Transmission	6 speed with alternative links available. Oil clutch with anti-stutter tank.Fuel Delivery Electronic injection via Ride-by-Wire
Starting Unit	Aprilia Racing ECU
Exhausts	Arrow
End Transmission	Cadena - Regina
Chassis	ART Aluminium
Suspension	Öhlins 42mm inverted forks and Öhlins rear shock, with preload control, hydraulic brake and extension
Brakes	Brembo, double 320mm carbon front discs, with four piston callipers. Individual rear disc with two piston callipers.
Weight	165 KG

source: crash.net

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Power Electronics Aspar hold team presentation

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In the run-up to this week's final MotoGP pre-season, the Power Electronics Aspar Team officially presented its 2012 race livery at Valencia on Tuesday.

2012 will be Aspar's third season in the premier-class, but sees the team move from a single satellite Ducati to running two of the new Aprilia (ART) bikes, under the CRT rules.

There are also rider and sponsor changes, with Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaro joining the team and Power Electronics signing up as title sponsor.

"For myself and for the Power Electronics Aspar Team the CRT project is an exciting challenge,” said team principal and former world champion Jorge Martínez 'Aspar'. “We had one rider in the premier-class before and now we have two, so I am delighted with this.”

“The concept and regulations of the premier-class have changed a lot and there is a lot of future in MotoGP. Our tests have been excellent and we are highly motivated. I want to thank Power Electronics for the confidence that they have placed in this project. I also want to thank the other new sponsors: Vibo, Bel Ray and Crecs.”

MotoGP podium finisher de Puniet has been setting lap times comparable with the satellite manufacturer machines during testing and is tipped - along with Colin Edwards (Suter-BMW) - to be the CRT man to beat.

"I was really excited about the presentation,” said the Frenchman. “We had the opportunity to see the new designs for the bike and leathers a while ago at Aragón and they are beautiful. 

“The start of the season is fast approaching and I consider that we are ready to go. We only have the weekend test at Jerez to go, at which we will get a better idea of what awaits us at the opening race."

Team-mate Espargaro is returning for his second season of MotoGP, having stepped down to Moto2 last year.

"The pre-season seemed to fly by for me, so now I just want to get the final test over and done with and get to Qatar. I am really excited to be part of this new CRT project. I hope that both my team-mate and I have a good season and that we fight to be the best CRT riders." 

The final pre-season test takes place at Jerez from Friday to Sunday, when the full 2012 grid will be on track together for the first time.

Hector Barbera, Aspar's previous MotoGP rider, has switched to Pramac Ducati.

Aspar will continue to run bikes in all three grand prix classes this season.

source: crash.net

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Toni Elias: "Every day we are closer"

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Toni Elias and Nico Terol have again improved their records in the second day of testing at Jerez again have used all your minutes of evidence and have continued collecting data.

The morning has been marked by further changes in the geometry of their respective Suter, and as the day has progressed, both have improved their feelings and their times. In fact, the last batch of late has been the most productive for both drivers of Mapfre Aspar. Both Toni and Nico were happy with the pace harvested and to improve their times three and five tenths respectively. They have also had opportunity to ride a narrower front tire, the Alcoy has been happy with the performance, not the Catalan who has seen some rebounds. In any case expect to continue making the most of their working time tomorrow.

Toni Elias: "The time has now been almost four tenths faster than yesterday, we are working hard and little by little we are leaving things right. Every day we are closer, but not going to settle, still looking new solutions, new improvements to be stronger in areas fast. Besides, today I mounted first supposedly new tires we use soon, and certainly not like I have done. But we have time to get used to them and find new solutions to gain more grip. Today we were more competitive than yesterday, tomorrow we will try to be a little more still, to leave with a little unclear Tasting ".

Nico Terol: "We have improved the time from yesterday by half a second, and we have also evolved in terms of pace. We have made ​​progress and I know we still have much room for improvement, but there is more work. That's what training, what matters is every day we step forward and our feelings evolve. I rode many laps low rate of 1.44, I have wanted to keep pushing tomorrow to improve my records. Today we tested a narrower front tire that gives me some confidence. We lacked a bit more grip, but overall performance in the latest round of the day has made ​​me happy conclusion. "

source: Motocuatro

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Aspar painted CRT De Puniet and Espargaro

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The low temperatures and on the track, but above all a strong wind that reached up to 60 km / h, has not provided the teams plans Aspar Power Electronics, Avintia Paul Bird Motorsport Racing, whose drivers have spent much Day in their boxes, on the first day of testing for CRT in Motorland Aragon.

In the morning, the team of Jorge Martinez `Aspar 'has used a pale sun for a photo session with Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaró, which have been wearing for the first time his official clothing and have posed next to their bikes decorated and with colors that look this season. The most active - if you can use the expression, have been, James Ellison (Paul Bird Motorsport) and Ivan Silva (Avintia Racing MotoGP), authors respectively of a mini batch of 2 and 3 turns.

The afternoon session produced no remarkable activity, except a return of "recognition" by the British Ellison. With rising temperatures and constant wind, the pilots decided to postpone hanj tomorrow their work programs, and necessarily modified and compressed.

On Friday, Alcañiz track will be open from 9:30 to 17:30 with the hope that the weather allows better use of the second and final day of practice.

source: motocuatro

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Wind limits CRT activity at Aragon

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Adverse conditions at MotorLand circuit halted the action on the first of a two day CRT test at the Spanish track, where three of the new teams were present for testing.

What was meant to be another productive day of testing in preparation for the first race of the 2012 Championship, the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar on April 8, turned into an unproductive meeting with the five CRT riders present at the Motorland Aragon circuit sitting out due to high winds.

Low ambient and track temperatures and winds reaching up to 60 km/h put a wrench in the plans for three teams present at the circuit. The Power Electronics Aspar, Avintia Racing and Paul Bird Motorsport teams saw their riders spending much of the day in the shelter of their garages.

In the morning, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez used the weak sunshine for a photo session with riders Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaró, who donned their official team wear for the first time and posed next to their bikes painted with this year’s team colors. The most active riders on the track were James Ellison of the Paul Bird Motorsport team and Ivan Silva (Avintia Racing MotoGP), who managed two and three laps, respectively, in the harsh conditions.

The afternoon session produced almost no on track activity, except for one sighting lap made by Ellison. In the constant wind, the riders decided to postpone their testing programs until tomorrow when they will work with revised and compressed schedules.

The Alcañiz track will be open on Friday from 9:30 to 17:30 with the hope that better weather allows a more productive second and final day of practice.

source: MotoGP Official

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CRTs meet for testing at MotorLand

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One month ahead of the start of the new MotoGP™ World Championship season, various premier class teams will be testing this week to continue preparations for the 2012 Championship. Over the course of two days—Thursday and Friday, the 8th and 9th of March—the Aragon MotorLand circuit will bring together several teams registered as CRT for another important test, one of the last of the preseason.

Teams confirmed thus far for the test are the Power Electronic Aspar team, with riders Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaró, Speed Master with Mattia Pasini, Paul Bird Motorsport with rider James Ellison, and Ioda Racing Project with Danilo Petrucci. After returning last week from Malaysia, Avintia Racing’s Ivan Silva and Yonny Hernandez will be present for further testing of their BQR-FTR machine.

The MotorLand circuit in Alcañiz could possibly see the debut of Michele Pirro, who has not yet ridden his 1000cc Honda CRT of the Gresini Team, although the outfit has not yet confirmed their attendance.

For those fans who wish to attend the test, the Aragon circuit is allowing access to grandstand 1, located on the home straight of the circuit. Access is free and is open from 9:00 am until 17:30 pm.

source: MotoGP 

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The Aspar Team with Project Lazarus for spinal injury research

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The Aspar Team will work with this non-profit association whose purpose is to raise funds for research into spinal cord regeneration.

The Aspar Team is the champion on the track and a reference both inside and outside. Today, in another example of solidarity and commitment, the association supports Lazarus Project: Arise and walk. An initiative that sees the light today after many months of preparation and deliberation. One cause created and concocted by spinal cord injury to dream the impossible, the regeneration of the spinal cord.

Aspar Team, tireless fighter and protector of dreams, wanted to share the goal of this association of Valencia, to help you get financing for your project. Lazarus Project is a nonprofit association whose sole purpose is to promote research to cure spinal cord injuries. Cree on research carried out by Dr Almudena Ramón (line of inquiry is to get an autologous cell transplantation therapy, ie using patient's own cells), and will fight for this therapy becomes a reality . 

source: motocuatro

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Randy de Puniet targets factory scalps

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Randy de Puniet says his priority for 2012 is to finish top CRT rider and at some races defeat the new 1000cc factory prototypes after an encouraging test in Jerez this week.

The Frenchman ended the three-day private test in Spain with an unofficial best time of 1.40.3 on board the new Aprilia ART machine he will campaign for the Aspar squad.

His best lap was less than a second from Spaniard Dani Pedrosa’s 2010 lap record of 1.39.731, giving hope that not all new CRT machines will be completely outclassed this year.

Some of the new machines, which features heavily tuned production 1000cc engines in prototype chassis, have been blown away by the factory prototypes from Honda, Yamaha and Ducati in winter testing.

Former LCR Honda rider de Puniet though was only 0.3s behind Hector Barbera’s satellite Ducati GP12 in Jerez and he told MCN: “The bike is at a good level. I would like to be faster like everybody but my first target is to be the first CRT and to either be very close or to beat the slowest factory bikes.

"I think it will be possible if some riders are not so fast but at fast tracks like Qatar, Barcelona and Sepang it will be very difficult because up to fourth gear there is big difference in engine performance.

"The engine and the electronics are the biggest difference between the prototypes and CRT. It is a big challenge but I am up for it and I am motivated to do a good season.”

source: MCN

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Espargaro receives final day reward

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After struggling with sickness and a lack of front-end feel during the first two days of testing at Jerez, Aleix Espargaro lopped 1.5sec from his lap time during a promising final day.

The Power Electronics Aspar rider finished the test 0.8sec behind team-mate Randy de Puniet, but moved back ahead of Speed Master's Mattia Pasini to be the second-best ART rider.

"The first day I was sick, yesterday was better, but a little off, then from this morning the feeling was great,” said Espargaro, returning to MotoGP after a season in Moto2. 

“Today we worked a lot on the front, and succeeded in gaining confidence. We changed the forks and greatly improved our times. I didn't expect to improve so much.

“I'm leaving Jerez happy. The first two days were not very productive, but we kept working hard and finally today we received our reward. 

“The bike is working better than [the previous test] in Valencia, and it is important to see that we are evolving gradually.”

Espargaro also offered his condolences to fellow Spanish grand prix rider Esteve Rabat, following a family bereavement.

“I want to send a giant hug to my friend Tito Rabat who is undergoing a tough time following the loss of his mother,” said Aleix, older brother of 2012 Moto2 rider Pol.

source: crash.net

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