Bankia Aspar Moto3 Squad – Qatar Preview

A new era of Grand Prix racing gets underway on Thursday night as the first free practice session for the inaugural Moto3 World Championship takes place in Qatar. The new four-stroke prototypes for the sport’s minor category seem to have gone from the drawing board to the track in the blink of an eye and on Sunday night the first ever Moto3 race will take place around the 5.38km Losail circuit, venue for the season curtain-raiser for the sixth successive season. The early favourites have been established during preseason but the moment of truth is now just days away.

BANKIA Aspar’s two riders are already on their way to Doha, where they will spend a couple of days acclimatising and preparing for the start of the new campaign. As usual preseason was long and tiring but the moment has now come for Héctor Faubel and Alberto Moncayo to take their Kalex/KTM machines into battle. At 28 years of age Faubel is the oldest rider in the field and he will be looking to put his experience to good use, whilst Moncayo is hoping that the move to the BANKIA Aspar Team gives him the opportunity to be the championship’s dark horse.

Héctor Faubel:
“I am really looking forward to arriving in Qatar and if it was down to me the season would start today! We have had a good preseason and I have a lot of confidence in the team and the combination between Kalex and KTM. We have a clear plan and I hope to be at least fighting for the podium on Sunday night. Certain riders were dominant at Jerez, others at Valencia, so anything could happen this weekend but I love Losail, I won there in 2007 in the 125cc class and was lapping second last year when I had a problem. The track conditions seem to suit my riding style and I am sure we can get a good result there.”

Alberto Moncayo:
“Losail is a very special circuit, I love it and racing at night gives it that exotic touch. It is really exciting to be just days away from the start of the season. Testing has gone well, we have a good set-up but we need to keep working hard to get the most out of our new Kalex/KTM. It has been two weeks since the last test and I can’t wait to get back on the bike, I just need to ride as soon as possible! The last test didn’t go as well as we hoped but I am sure that won’t mean we can’t be fighting for a top five finish this weekend.”

Source: Aspar Media