Not much to do for Mapfre Aspar boys as rain hits Jerez track again
The disadvantage of organizing a test at this point in the year always holds the risk of problematic weather conditions and unfortunately the same came true for the 3-day test at Jerez that ended today but in which only one day actually allowed the riders to work productively. This morning the track was still damp due to the morning fog, so it wasn’t possible to ride until around 11AM, at which point it had fully dried. But shortly after noon rain hit the track yet again and the majority of the remaining teams decided to call it a day early and finish the test with only one hour of work on Friday. With the testing ban coming into place on December 1st, there won’t be much opportunity to still get out on track before next year.
Xavi Forés started working today at around 10.30AM today with his teammate Julian Simon joining him half an hour later. Both started from the setting they found yesterday and were very comfortable with, but after only an hour they’ve been forced to stop because of the rain. Simon only managed to do 10 laps today, but still left Jerez very satisfied after his great showing yesterday and as the fastest rider of the three days. Forés is also satisfied with his work, having connected with his new team perfectly and completing a good amount of work.
Julian Simón 1.44.80 (10 laps): “To be honest, today wasn’t very productive. At first the track was still damp because of the dew, so we had to wait until 11AM before we went out. We barely got 10 laps together and at noon it started to rain. After the good day yesterday we decided to call it a day and go back home. We tested almost everything yesterday and basically completed our work plan. That’s why for us it wouldn’t have been any use to ride around a wet track and risking a crash.
I leave Jerez very satisfied, because we found a lot of positive things and we found a good way to work. The laptimes and the feeling with the bike were fantastic yesterday, so I’m very happy. Next week we’ll have another test day at Valencia, I hope the weather is a bit more kind to us there and we’ll be able to finish the year in good form and leave for the winter break calmly.”
Xavi Forés 1.45.90 (13 laps): “Today we almost didn’t go out at all, because at the beginning there were a lot of damp patches on the track. And when we finally started to really get into a rhythm, it rained. But in any case, the 13 laps I was able to do today still helped me to get a better feeling with the new bike. We improved a bit more and I noticed the difference. I found that I feel very comfortable riding the Suter, so I am in high spirits and very satisfied. I believe that this test has been nothing but a success for me, because the feeling with the new bike is fantastic and I hit it off well with the team. I am very motivated, I can’t wait to ride again next week in Valencia, a circuit that I like a lot and where I’ll certainly find some new solutions for the bike.”
Both Mapfre Aspar riders will have a last day of testing this year, next Tuesday at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia. On the same day there’ll be other Moto2 riders testing at the Catalunya circuit, including Aleix Espargaro, Axel Pons, Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro.
However, for both locations the weather forecasts predict more rain or at least a high precipitation.
Source: Mapfre Aspar Team
Photo: Circuito de Jerez / Rivero
