Avintia Racing presents 2012 lineup with Silva, Simon and Vinales
Many teams used the day off between the Moto3/Moto2 test and the MotoGP test at Jerez to officially present their lineup to the press and assembled sponsors.
The Avintia Racing Team joined in and presented this year’s bikes and riders with Ivan Silva and Yonny Hernandez riding CRT bikes in the MotoGP class, Julian Simon starting in Moto2 and Maverick Vinales competing for the team in Moto3. The Spanish youngster is also personally backed by Repsol, so he already attended his second official presentation in just a few weeks.
Iván Silva (MotoGP): “I’ve not really arrived yet. I will compete in MotoGP, but I have to wait until the first race to see that it’s really true. I’m excited and hope to take advantage of all the experience I have with large cylinder bikes. We’ll race with the best riders in the world and that says it all. It won’t be easy, but this is a project that’s really ‘our own’ and I am very motivated.”
Julián Simón (Moto2): “I’m in very high spirits ahead of this season. Being with Avintia Racing gives me safety and I feel very comfortable. As you know, this is a very difficult category and very equal, but I feel strong and I’m convinced we will do some interesting performances. I still have some tiny things to improve, but with the support of the team I will succeed. I’m sure we will have a good year.”
Maverick Viñales (Moto3): “Of course I’m very happy to be with Avintia Racing. The team is the same as last year and I have a great relationship with them. They give me great confidence and we understand each other very well at work. The preseason went very well and I hope the season continues the same way. The competition is tough, but we are strong.
We have worked a lot in preseason and have had a great feeling on the bike; we have been comfortable since day one and are always thinking about the races ahead. Anyone can do a fast lap, but maintaining a fast pace is another matter and we are trying to achieve this. The next time we will be on the bike will be at the opening race of the season, and I think that the same riders who have been fast in testing will be challenging in the race: Cortese, Kent, Faubel and maybe a new rider could spring a surprise.”
Sources: Avintia Racing / Repsol Media