Espargaro ends first preseason test on top, good start for Rabat and Pons
Pol Espargaró ended the first official IRTA test at the Valencia circuit on top, having posted the fastest overall laptimes during the three days of testing.
His best laptime of 1.34’5 was more than half a second quicker than his pole position time of 1.35’1 he posted at the Grand Prix last November.
Tito Rabat, who had a crash in the morning, finished the test in 8th position, getting closer to the front each time. Axel Pons was 12th quickest and also improved with each run on track.
1. POL ESPARGARÓ, 1.34.577 “We’ve started 2013 on the right foot and I’m very happy with my performance and the whole team during the three days. The first day was to get used to it again after two months without Moto2 and in the following two days I was able to ride faster every time, despite there being a few times when it was quite cold and the wind was making it very hard.
Today, with nice temperatures and without wind, I was able to get down to 1.34’5, six tenths quicker than the time I did here last year to get pole position for the final race of 2012. And also with runs of very fast and consistent laps. It’s only the first test, but I go home confident and motivated to continue working hard.”
8. TITO RABAT, 1.35.317 “The first time back on the bike this season was pretty good and I’m happy with these three days of testing. The world championship is long and hard and now is the moment to build confidence, get the bike to my liking and search for the limits. I think this year I can be right up there and the work will allow me to fight for good positions in every race.”
12. AXEL PONS, 1.35.630 “I’m happy with how the season started. We did good work with the team and improved little by little with each run. I think we’re on a good way with our work and laying the groundwork for the season which for the first time I will join in the same conditions as the others and without being held back physically. I hope to continue this way next week in Jerez and get closer to the laptimes of thr riders in front.”
Source: Pons Racing Press Release
