Mapfre Aspar Moto2 Squad – Qatar Preview
Endless weeks of preseason testing is over, as is the need for the fans to contain their excitement, as one of the most exhilarating sports in the world bursts back into life this weekend. For the sixth consecutive season the MotoGP World Championship kicks off with the Grand Prix of Qatar, an event that since 2008 has taken place under floodlights. A slightly smaller but equally competitive Moto2 field of 32 riders will line up to do battle at the Losail circuit, with the action getting underway on Thursday night with an extra free practice session.
The MAPFRE Aspar Team are ready to battle for the title after putting together their strongest rider line-up yet, with two World Champions in the shape of Nico Terol and Toni ElÃas. The former is beginning a completely new chapter in his career after lifting the last ever 125cc title last season, as he looks to establish himself at the highest level. Terol has shown encouraging signs of a swift adaptation to four-stroke racing during preseason and he is looking forward to competing at intermediate Grand Prix level for the first time at Losail, where he has celebrated victory for the past two seasons. His new team-mate Toni ElÃas makes his return to a championship he won in 2010. The experienced Spaniard knows that the middle category is now tougher than ever but he is convinced he can rediscover the form that made him the first ever Moto2 World Champion after enjoying a productive preseason.
Nico Terol:
“I have always had a good feel for the Losail circuit. It has a bit of everything – some fast and slow sections – and racing at night makes it extra special. I always enjoy riding there and I am looking forward to seeing how things go for me in my first race in this category. We have a lot of work to do but I am sure that if we keep working like we have done up to now we can have a good Grand Prix. Racing on Sunday night without a warm-up session could throw up some unexpected surprises so we have to stay focused throughout the whole weekend and keep our rhythm up. I am looking forward to the start of the season.”
Toni ElÃas:
“I really like Losail. The fact we are racing at night and with a film of sand on the track always makes for difficult racing but I still like it a lot. We still need to take a step forward with the set-up but even so we go to Qatar feeling happy and confident about our chances. We are looking forward to the start of the season and the whole team will be working hard from the first session to find something extra. Losail is a pretty fast circuit with some flowing corners and not a lot of grip, due to the humidity and sand.”
Source: Aspar Media
