Simon laps Jerez at record pace on second day of testing
The Mapfre Aspar riders had an amazing day of testing at the Jerez circuit today. Julian Simon, who did not go out on yesterday because of the damp tarmac, has started around noon on the second day. The Villacañas native tested bot the 2010 and the 2011 chassis to compare them and to set a development and work schedule for the winter. He kept improving throughout the day and lapped inside the 1’43s several times. He finished the day with a best laptime of 1’43”80. Although the laptime is not official because it is a private test, Julian has shattered the circuit record, set during the 2010 season and the pole positon record. He ended the day with the best time of the present Moto2 riders and in high spirits. The same can be said for his new teammate Xavi Forés who is quickly adapting to his new Moto2 bike. The Valencian started the day a little earlier than JUlian and completed a total of 68 laps. He mainly worked on the geometry of his Suter bike and finally found a setup that allowed him to post a laptime of 1.44.80. An exceptional time, considering that it is only his second time on board the new chassis.
Julian Simón 1.43.80 (60 laps): “This morning we took our time before we went out, because at the beginning the track was still a little wet. At noon we got to work and in the end we have completed many laps. They helped us to get more data and to compare everything we’ve seen so far. I came back to test the 2011 frame, like I already did on the last day at Valencia. The feeling has been very good again and we also have been able to compare it with the chassis that I used during this season. Also I have been able to test different tires and see which ones would be best for us to go with next year. It’s been a very productive day, because I’ve been faster and faster every lap and my laptimes have improved. I have been able to get to 1’43.80, I believe that this is a fantastic time; but anyway, I am convinced that when we improve the setup, we can go even faster. Hopefully tomorrow the weather will be kind to us, so that we can continue to improve.”
Xavi Forés 1.44.80 (68 laps): “The day has gone very well. We started at 10.30AM, but the track was still a little damp, so we stopped until it was fully dried. In the morning I tested a bike with a standard engine, to get a feeling for it and gain some experience. I am very satisfied, because I improved my laptimes throughout the day. In the end I did a 1’44.80, I think that it is a good time, considering that I’m getting to know the bike and we still have a big margin for improvement. At the end of the test I tested another bike with a different engine and my feeling was better. In addition, when we changed the geometry it allowed me to turn much faster and more comfortable and generally the feeling has been quite a bit better”.
Source: Mapfre Aspar Team
Photo: motogp.com
