Jordi Torres & Nico Terol start Dunlop test at Phillip Island
The final test of the 2014 preseason for a handful of MotoGP teams got underway today at Phillip Island, with five factory riders from the premier class and four Moto2 riders (Terol, Torres, Rabat and Kallio) together on track.
The test has been scheduled by Bridgestone and Dunlop, tyre suppliers to the two respective categories, after a difficult weekend on the new asphalt at the Grand Prix here last year. Summer sunshine made for perfect conditions and the nine riders were able to lap from 10am until the track closed at 5:30pm. Jorge Lorenzo set the fastest lap with a time of 1.29.213.
Dunlop were keen to ensure the presence of Moto2 frontrunners at the test so invited MAPFRE Aspar pair Nico Terol and Jordi Torres out for the three-day session.
Nico racked up a marathon 82 laps today, running through a bunch of different tyres as well as taking the opportunity to experiment with some front-end set-up alterations.
The Spaniard’s work was fruitful, as he clocked his best time on his final lap, whilst his team-mate and compatriot also completed a solid day’s work despite losing time in the middle of the day due to an engine issue.
Torres complete 56 laps of the Australian circuit with a best time of 1’34.000.
Nico Terol 1.33.290 (82 laps):
“So far it has been a very productive test. We have been through a variety of different compound tyres – some I liked, some not so much – but in general Dunlop have done a good job. At the end of the day we also made a change to the front of the bike that worked really well, giving us the turning we have been looking for for a while. It was thanks to this that I improved my time on the final lap and I am happy with the lap time and my feeling on the bike. We know we have a lot of improving still to do but we did 82 laps today so it has been productive. Hopefully tomorrow can be the same.”
Jordi Torres 1.34.000 (56 laps):
“Dunlop have prepared this test for us and today they had two different tyres for us to test. We started out this morning with the same rubber we used for the race here last year and after some fast laps Dunlop gave us another one to try. They gave us some pretty clear directions and we focused purely on giving them specific feedback. Halfway through the day we had a little engine problem but luckily we were able to fix it. The engine was worn out so it was a good opportunity to fit the new one.”
Source: Aspar Media