Vierge straight up to speed in Argentina - Positive beginning for Gardner

The Tech3 Racing team riders kicked off the second round of the 2017 World Championship with two strong displays today aboard their Mistral 610 Moto2 bikes. Xavi Vierge dug deep and continued his notable form since the start of the season to finish the day in 9^th and just 0.251 from third position. Whilst Remy Gardner commenced his weekend with an impressive run to 6^th in FP1, before finishing the afternoon practice only three-tenths of a second back of the top ten. Both riders confidently eye up tomorrow’s action which commences with FP3 at 10:55 local time or 15:55 in central Europe.

Xavi Vierge

Position: 9^th - Time: 1'44.665 - Laps:20

“We made a positive start in Argentina and I am pleased with the work that we have completed today which leaves me confident for the rest of the weekend. The main objective was to focus on the rhythm for the race because of course, Sunday is the most important day. So, in FP2 I did a long run and every lap I was able to improve my time, and this is encouraging news. Now, we need to check the data to see how we can make some steps forward for tomorrow, but in general I am satisfied and I’m looking forward to getting back on this fast flowing track very soon."

Remy Gardner

Position: 17^th - Time: 1'44.991 - Laps:17

“Overall I am happy with how things are going in Argentina and I am sure that we can get to where we want to on Sunday. This morning went very well and I finished 6th, which was a strong start. Then, in FP2, it would have been good to make a bigger step forward, but there were still positives to take. I tried to improve the time here, but when we put new tyres in at the end of the practice, for some reason the front wheel kept locking. As a result, I was forced to pit and we had to use an old tyre. I only did two laps but I made the time on my own and I managed to improve in every corner, so we are pleased with this progress. Of course, it’s not the position that we want but it’s not qualifying or race day so we will stay calm for tomorrow. The first session went well and the bike is improving so all in all I am positive."