Marini progresses further during first official test in 2017

With five days of private testing under his belt, Forward Racing Team’s Luca Marini headed back to the Circuito de Jerez this week for the first official IRTA test, riding alongside all his competitors of the Moto2 World Championship. Hot and sunny weather ensured similar conditions to what has to be expected for the race weekend in May, which rate these three days an ideal opportunity to be prepared for the opening European battle of the season. Marini used the precious track time to evaluate different setup options for his 2017 Kalex machine in order to leave the Spain circuit with a strong base for the nine-month lasting Championship. Together with his experienced crew the 19-year old improved the overall balance of his bike, as well as his consistency with used tyres. In the course of the three days Marini did 175 laps, with a fastest time of 1’42.692, which placed him in eleventh position in the overall standings. While running the 4.428 km layout Marini had a special spectator, as Lorenzo Baldassarri decided to sit out the test because of an inflamed tendon in his left arm. The Italian opted to take the rare opportunity to study his rivals from the sidelines in order to prepare for the intense fights in the ultra-competitive intermediate class. The 20-year old concentrated as well on several physiotherapeutic treatments effected by the staff of the Clinica Mobile, which the whole Forward Racing Team wants to thank for their outstanding effort. Baldassarri, who is now close to full fitness, is already eagerly looking forward to the final test, which commences in exactly one week’s time at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. There, both Forward Racing Team riders are going to carry out their ultimate pre-season preparations for the opening round of this year’s Moto2 World Championship.

Luca Marini – 11th (1’42.692) “Overall, I can’t be more pleased about how our pre-season went. Previously to this first official test we already worked a lot in Valencia as well as here in Jerez, and that’s what we did also this week. It feels like we tried all possible solutions on our bike: different setups, several suspension options, new and old tyres, we did long runs on full fuel load, we experimented with the balance of the bike and finally found a good base, which should put us in a strong position for the race here. Moreover, I’m really satisfied with my pace, which I was able to improve a lot compared to last year’s race. It’s not an easy task to do score a decent lap time on this track, when the temperatures are that high, but we gradually increased my feeling with the front and our grip level. The next step is to improve my pace during the opening laps, because that’s where you can make a difference, but I’m convinced it’s just a matter of time and we’ll get there. In general, I’m very satisfied with this test and for the moment, I can’t wait to arrive in Qatar and get the season started.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri “Obviously, it’s not easy to watch the track action as a spectator, but I still tried to make the most of it using these days to analyze the different riding styles of my competitors. I’m convinced, that this was a great help, as not everybody has this chance. Moreover, I got an intense and exceptional treatment from the guys in the Clinica Mobile, so it is thanks to them that I already feel a lot better and well prepared for Qatar. I really can’t wait to hit the track again next week.”

Giovanni Cuzari – Team Owner “The whole team did an outstanding job again. Luca was very fast, which is a promising sign ahead of the start of the championship. It was very interesting to see him against the other competitors and we could draw first conclusions from these three intensive days of testing. For Lorenzo, it’s a real pity he couldn’t ride, yet I’m sure he used this week in order to be all set for next outing in Qatar. I know spend his time well, working hard on his condition and preparation of the season. I also want to express a special thanks to the staff of the Clinica Mobile and the management of the VR46 Riders Academy for supporting us during these days. Of course, I’m also grateful for the efforts of both riders and all the team. Now let’s just go to Qatar, as we can’t wait!”