Rain in the desert didn’t prevent Marini and Baldassarri to progress

With lots of positive impressions after nine days on track in Spain Luca Marini and Lorenzo Baldassarri felt more than ready to fly out to Qatar this week for the last test before the start of the 2017 season, but the unpredictable weather conditions in the Arabian country hampered the track action on Friday and Sunday. However, both Forward Racing Team riders were able to assess their new 2017 Kalex machines as well as their feelings at the illuminated Losail International Circuit. Although track conditions were far from perfect, Marini and his crew could work through most of their extensive schedule. Some setup changes and different parts increased the feeling for the 19-year old, who was mainly able to improve his race pace. Overall Marini completed 74 laps with a fastest time of 2’01.436. After missing the first official IRTA test in Jerez, Baldassarri, who recovered from an inflamed tendon in his left arm, was back on track. The 20-year old started slowly to evaluate his physical condition. Encouraged by his good feeling Baldassarri soon started to work on the geometry of his machine together with his crew, before a slight crash without any consequences terminated his time attack. The young Italian lapped the 5.380 km circuit 51 times with a personal best of 2’02.035. Now the whole Forward Racing Team eagerly awaits the opening practice of the first round in 2017, which kicks off on Thursday at under the floodlights of the Losail International Circuit.

Luca Marini – 15th (2’01.436) “We had a positive test here in Qatar, which was unfortunately shortened because of the rain. Anyway, we tried diverse options for the race weekend and discovered new solutions, which is very encouraging. I went out with a different swing arm with which I felt a bit better, so we’ll for sure carry this to the race weekend. Our base is solid, but of course there is still a margin of improvement to be made in the Free Practices and Qualifying. For now, I’m happy with what we accomplished during our pre-season. I’m convinced we can do a great job for the Grand Prix here. Last year I finished the race in tenth position, which is hard to beat. But the goal for the first weekend is to improve on that placement. Let’s see what we can do.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri – 26th (2’02.035) “This test was a really good opportunity to understand my physical condition and I can say, that I’m very happy to report I’m nearly back at my 100%. That’s the most important thing, considering we now have an additional three days of rest before the first free practice of the season. I was trying to stress my arm step by step on the bike without experiencing any pain, which is a fantastic sign. I’m serene, because we finished the test with good feelings overall, even if, to be honest, I was quite slow. Today the wind was really heavy, plus quickly changing directions and I decided not to take any risks. When I finally put in a new set of tyres and pushed a bit more I was surprised by a gust, so I went down. It’s a pity, because I wasn’t able to see where I would have ended up. But anyway, I feel great and full of confidence for the first race weekend of the year.”

Giovanni Cuzari – Team Owner “To be really honest, personally I can’t wait to kick off the new season in just a few days. It’s been the first time for me on track this year here in Doha and I have to admit that I’m more than proud of the job my team did. In my opinion we made a huge step forward compared to 2016 and I have to thank everybody who made that possible. On the other hand, it goes without saying that these three days didn’t go according to plan, because who would ever expect two days of rain in the desert. Yet, after the strong preseason schedule, which we worked through in Spain, we feel very well prepared for this opening round and I am looking ahead to the upcoming weekend which will be full of emotion.”