Avintia Blusens ends pre-season closer to top

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Three days of intense work (the second of which was almost completely lost to rain) from the entire Avintia Blusens team at the Jerez Test wrapped up on Sunday, and the crew worked tirelessly to be able to head to Qatar in good shape for the first Grand Prix of the season.

Both Iván Silva and Yonny Hernández put in solid shifts as the team looked to sort out the problems the pair had been having with their FTR machines in turns since pre-season, with slow corners especially problematic. Both riders and their crews dedicated a lot of time to this area, also focusing heavily on electronics.

The results were positive and Avintia Blusens cut the gap to the MotoGP™ machines in terms of time, when compared to previous Tests. Iván Silva ended the Test 3.666s off Casey Stoner's time, and just eight-tenths off the second CRT. Aside from De Puniet, the remainder of the CRT bikes are within a second of one another, which pre-empts an exciting season in which the Avintia Blusens riders can battle with their fellow CRT rivals.

Raúl Romero (Team Manager):

"I'm delighted with this result. We've taken another step forward and have also shown we're at a good level in relation to the other CRT bikes. There's room to improve and that motivates us. We also have to take into account that some of the others have been working for a long time while we are just starting out. Every time we go out on track we're improving lots. On Sunday Iván lowered his times and Yonny worked a lot on the electronics and with the second bike in order to have it ready for Qatar. We haven't had any major problems or crashes. I'm proud of the whole team and what they have achieved in order to be able to get the job done."

Iván Silva:

"We've done a great job here. The result is positive and, with a couple of little things left which we still haven't had time to try out, I'm sure we could have gotten below 1'42". We'll get there though. Right now I'm learning the bike and every alteration is one which will benefit us going forwards. I've worked a lot with the issues we were having with the front and we've improved, but we've also lost a little bit of rear grip. We have to take into consideration that we are building a bike from scratch, and that involves a lot of work. We have a good rhythm and, with the level playing field that is CRT, that could be very telling in the races."

Yonny Hernández:

"I got under 1'43" even though there's still a lot left to improve on. We've been working with the second bike a lot which took up plenty of time, but we have a solid direction for Qatar. A great job has been done with the electronics and bit by bit we are getting more competitive. I'm excited because there is a great equality amongst the CRT machines, and we still have a lot left to improve on. De Puniet got away a little bit, but we'll get there!"

source: MotoGP Official

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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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Private CRT testing at Aragon concludes

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The second day of testing wrapped up under largely improved weather conditions, especially in the evening, for the five MotoGP riders present at the Aragon circuit. Riders were able to make up for time lost on Thursday due to high winds, with the two Spanish and one British team present and accruing more laps and experience.

The second and final day of private CRT testing was more conducive to on track action at the MotorLand circuit than the day before, though the wind continued to hinder the five participating riders’ efforts.

In the morning, the first to venture out to test track conditions was Avintia Racing rider Yonny Hernandez, followed shortly thereafter by his teammate Ivan Silva. Both made sessions of around 10 laps each to test out the general feeling of the BQR-FTR prototype.

Around 1pm, Aleix Espargaró (Power Electronics Aspar) hit the track, though completed only three laps before finding track conditions to be too unfavorable to perform the work the team set out to do at this test, so further testing was postponed until after lunch. Espargaró and team mate Randy De Puniet completed a few laps in the afternoon with the Frenchman focusing on improving the geometry of the new ART while the Spaniard made several practice starts.

Also completing many laps in the afternoon were the Avintia Racing duo, with Silva completing the test with a reported best lap of 1’53.373 while Colombian rider Hernandez posted a time of 1’53.588. The only rider absent in the final hours of the test was the Briton James Ellison (Paul Bird Motorsport) due to a crash that occurred shortly before noon.

The next meeting is the Official MotoGP Test to be held in Jerez de la Frontera in two weeks, the final test before the season begins with the night GP in Qatar.

source: MotoGP Official

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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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Avintia Racing makes strides in Sepang

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Iván Silva and Yonny Hernández made important steps in the development of their Avintia Racing machine, improving lap times and making key improvements on the electronics and the chassis of the BQR-FTR.

Although rain interrupted the work the Avintia Racing team had planned for the three day Test, by the end of the final day the team was encouraged with the progress they made. The Avintia Racing bike now has a strong base upon which they will continue development at the upcoming test at Jerez ahead of Qatar GP.

Yonny Hernandez and Ivan Silva were able to make positive strides with both the electronics and the chassis of the BQR-FTR. Both riders agreed that important steps were made in solving engine problems they suffered in the previous test at the same circuit. Although many improvements still remain, the two lowered the times obtained at the first test and are optimistic for the future of the team.

Yonny Hernández:

"I’m happy because I’m back with the team and on the bike. At this test, I learned to work with the traction control and we advanced our position to the front. Unfortunately, the rain and some problems with the electronics on my bike slowed our progress a little, but at least the last day was productive and we were able to make progress with the set up. The tests ahead of the first GP of the season will be important to pull together the final bike with a chassis that will allow us to get the most out of the bike."

Iván Silva: 

"We worked primarily on the engine mapping and the traction control at this test. It was a shame about the rain on the first days limited the work we were able to do, but it was the same for everyone. The last day I focused on the chassis and although we still have problems with the front wheel we have a little more grip and can turn the bike easier. Now that the engine runs perfectly, the next test we’ll focus on getting the final bike to be more competitive."

Press release courtesy of Avintia Racing

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Ivan Silva and Yonny Hernandez Shows Improvement

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Although the rain has conditioned the work planned by the technicians and pilots Avintia Racing at the end of the last day-the only one that has been rolling in good condition-the feeling was positive in the face the next test that the team will perform at the Jerez circuit, due to the pre-IRTA Qatar GP.

Ivan Silva and Yonny Hernandez been able to advance in the development of the BCR-FTR, both in terms of engine and electronics and the chassis. Both drivers agree that it has taken a big step to take for solved the engine problems suffered in the previous test at this circuit and rate of positive tests with the traction control and drive electronics.

Although there are improvements to be made, especially in regard to the rebound of the front wheel, say they are in good line to achieve the targets set for the chassis. Both have reduced the times obtained in the first test performed on this same track a few weeks ago and are optimistic for future occasions. 

Yonny Hernandez (06/02/63): "I am happy because I returned to have contact with the team and the bike. I learned to work with the traction control and we have advanced in the set-up. Unfortunately, rain and electrical problems on my bike have hurt the pace of work but, fortunately, the last day was productive and we were able to shoot enough to make progress in the set-up. The training before the first GP of the season will be important to get "polish" the final details and manage to have a chassis that allows us to give the maximum. "

Ivan Silva (02/06/78): "We have worked mainly with maps of the engine and traction control. It was a shame that the rain of the first day we limited the planned work but, well, has been the case for everyone. On this last day I could focus on the chassis and although we still have problems with the front wheel, we have a little more grip and turn the bike a little better. Now that the engine runs perfectly, the next test we will focus work on getting some optimal cycle to be more competitive. "

source: motocuatro

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Maverick Vinales "I hope to keep up with the KTM"

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Times "unofficial" in hand, between Valencia and Jerez Maverick Vinales was the only rider to counter the hegemony of high-ranking positions in KTM. The "Rookie of the Year 2011", winner of four races (Le Mans, Assen, Sepang, Valencia) in the solo debut season in MotoGP, he stopped the clock sull'1'47 "5, enough to place themselves in second place Danny Kent overall behind (KTM), showing all their potential velocistico.

"Mack", European champion and 125 Spanish GP 2010, now expects a response from the Honda, designed to introduce a "step motor" for its FTR M312 for the forthcoming official test program, again at Jerez, from 19 to March 21.

"From these tests we have taken the positive findings , "says Vinales, pilot of ' Racing Avintia ex-BQR Team. " We worked very hard following the right direction in the development. Compared to Valencia we have made ​​progress in defining the cycle, but most of the engine. Here we have to improve, but I think from here to the next test, with the help of Honda, we can bridge the gap with competitors velocistico: I hope I will be an opportunity to keep up with the KTM.

Comparisons aside, here in Jerez we were to 1 "from the times of 125, a sign that we made ​​really strong and that we can further improve from here to three weeks for the next scheduled testing, presenting the best possible for the first race Qatar. "

source: bikeracing

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Avintia Racing drivers, Viñales and Simon, among the best in the test in Jerez

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The last day of spring training in Jerez has been the best in terms of weather and track conditions. Avintia Racing drivers have completed the three days of testing without incident and looking very competitive.

Although equal in both categories is the protagonist, both Maverick and Julian, marching from the Andalusian track with a lot of work done and the feeling that they are prepared for "battle" that will begin next April in Qatar. Now, some time off before the last and final IRTA next March, again in Jerez, which no longer worth any kind of strategy. In them, we will know for sure what equipment and what drivers will be featured during the year. Racing Avintia Men are convinced of being part of a select group of pilots who will fight for places of honor in 2012.

 Maverick Viñales (1.47.52) 48 laps: "After three days of testing I can only be truly happy. We worked very hard on the chassis and improved the engine a little, but we still need more. We filmed in very good and we're less than a second record in the 125 cc In next month's training we have to try and lower them to be even closer (if not better), the record. I think with the help of Honda we can get. Now there is a "break" which must be exploited to physically work best to get the best possible way to Qatar. I am very excited but we must be careful because it will not be easy. There are a lot of very good competition. We will see. "

Julian Simon (1.42.75) 62 laps: "Being able to roll with good weather and the track in good condition during these three days has been very productive. Keep in mind that this season I must discover and get familiar with the bike and the team and have these days of testing, has been fundamental to this. We made ​​the most of the three days and, as happened when we left the Valencia circuit in Jerez I'm a very good feeling and confidence that we move in the right direction. We have not reached the peak (we still improve the front end) and yet, as we are fast and competitive. Today I made ​​some great times and I have been constant. That makes me very positive about the coming IRTA and, of course, before the first race in Qatar. "

source: motocuatro

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Julian Simon: "We moved quickly and we are among the best"

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Avintia Racing drivers have completed the second day of testing at the Jerez circuit running at a great pace, always among the best and completing the planned work of technicians and pilots to test these pre-season.

Julian Simon has continued the process of adapting to his new bike, trying a multitude of settings to find one that best suits your driving style. Gradually, both the technical team and the pilot are fitting the pieces to achieve the desired results, which have begun to loom in the day today, in which Simon has run really fast while regularly amongst the best.

Julian Simon (1.43.07) 51 laps: "I'm really happy. We have improved the stability of the bike, especially the corner entry, which has not let me ride in comfort. We used the time to look at different cycle solutions that allow me to better understand the behavior of the bike. We have made ​​radical changes to get their reactions on all kinds of records. We eventually progressed and we were able to be fast with some comfort. Need to improve on some points but move quickly and are among the best. We still have tomorrow to get the latest improvements and hopefully finish the day with a good feeling. "

source: motocuatro

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Avintia Racing: All work and positive feelings in Sepang

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The logical teething problems have limited the bike a little test program provided by the team Avintia Racing, which has three drivers come with the first test of the preseason 2012. Nevertheless, the team has been working in the right direction to achieve the desired goals before the season started.

The main problems have arisen from the side of the engine, which has constrained the planned work to the point of being unable to roll over, virtually nothing during the second day of practice. Fortunately, after much work has been able to complete the program of the third day but on this occasion, was the rain that has meant that you could not exhaust the total training time. However, the Racing Avintia calls very positive these days that have been used to locate and to solve our problems before they start the season at the Grand Prix Tasting.

Raul Romero (MotoGP Team Manager):

"It's been a hard days but positive. We have had problems but now when I need to be taken to reach the championship yet solved. We are pleased with the performance of the bike's engine failure but we have lost a long time. The second day I used to repair the engine and try to solve the problem. Thanks to the efforts and work of the technical team, we were able to shoot the final day more normally. It was an interim solution to be on track, but at home we will fix it permanently. There bear in mind that while the factories do the work in winter "in camera" with the CRT work "with the public" and less time. We have a little patience. Despite the problems we are pleased with this test and very excited to continue working for the championship. "

Ivan Silva:

"Training here has been very positive, despite the engine problems we have significantly limited. On the last day we could shoot a lot but being very careful with the propellant. That has made the times have not been as good as, I am convinced, could have been. Still, we have seen many positive things and many in which we still have margin. We have worked on the chassis and we managed to improve the entrance to turns and bouncing of the front. Rain has not left us to move forward but it was a fruitful day. There is still some way to go but the feeling is very good. "

Roberto Pietri:

"It's been a conference very interesting. To a greater or lesser extent, has been able to run and have reached important conclusions for the future. I have given few laps but have been excellent. The bike goes well, is sensitive to changes are made and why it's important. There was driven from the Valencia race, and yet, once I found comfortable with it. bike is "easy" and enjoyable to drive. I'm very animated over the next training. "

Jordi Torres:

"The first day I gave a few laps but I would grope like the bike and learn how everything worked. Gradually we introduced some changes, but always with caution and trying to" understand the bike. "The second day we had a problem with the engine and just shot, but at the last minute we could go out and check that everything worked. Fnr the last session has been a work plan that we could get done and thus know which direction to take. Water has reduced the running time but has been a good day. For the next test will be much more competitive, sure. "

source: MotoGP Official

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Roberto Pietri and Jordi Torres to test for BQR at Sepang

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By Queroseno Racing (BQR), which debuts this year in the premier class with CRT bikes, will start the 2012 preseason with Venezuelan rider Roberto Pietri and Spaniard Jordi Torres as test riders to assist in the development of its CRT prototype.

The two racers both have previous experience in the World Championship Moto2 class and will travel to Malaysia next week to join Ivan Silva in the first official premier class Test scheduled at the Sepang circuit. Colombian rider Yonny Hernandez, signed by BQR to debut in MotoGP this season, will not participate in this first test because he is not yet fully recovered from a surgery on his left hand.

Raul Romero, owner of BQR and project leader of Avintia Racing in the MotoGP class, explained that an agreement with Roberto Pietri is "nearly complete" that includes not only his participation in various pre-season tests but also as a substitute rider for the entire 2012 season. In addition, the team wants the 26 year old Venezuelan to compete as a wild card in five races next year (3 in Spain and 2 in the US), although these plans are still subject to approval by the organizing body of the Championship.

Romero acknowledged that the contract is not yet signed for Yonny Hernandez to be a full time rider, and that the contract is dependent upon the rider acquiring part of the funding. Such a contract would make Hernandez the first Colombian to compete in the MotoGP class.

source: motogp official

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Yonny Hernandez reveals MotoGP debut in doubt

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Just one week after the provisional MotoGP entry list was released, Yonny Hernandez has revealed that a financial shortfall could lead to a withdrawal of his CRT entry with Avintia Racing BQR. 

In an emotional interview with elcolombiano.com, the former supermoto and Moto2 racer said that his family resources had dried up and that he was 250,000 euros short of what was required by the team to provide the bike, excluding any provision for living costs and travel.

He thanked the fans who have been supporting with donations of 1-3,000 euros, but said that he now needed a major investment by a private company or the state if the dream of having a Columbian racer competing with the world's best riders in MotoGP was to be realised. The deadline for MotoGP registration is on 12th February. 

It is another clue to the financial crisis faced by MotoGP and follows news that Sergio Gadea and Mattia Pasini are also having difficulties raising sponsorship for their 2012 campaigns. 

Avintia have yet to comment, but will no doubt be assessing the impact on their fixed costs should they cut back to a single Kawasaki-powered FTR for Ivan Silva.

source: Barry Russell crash.net

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