Jorge Martin rolls out new Mahindra MGP30 at Jerez

As the winter gradually heads towards the spring, so preseason work intensifies for the Moto2 and Moto3 World Championship teams, the majority of whom were in Jerez today for the first of two days of testing.

With the first official test of the year due to take place at the same track next week, the teams were able to begin basic set-up work today in ideal conditions.

The day was split into sessions of an hour and two hours, with the Moto2 and Moto3 categories alternating their time on track. Transponders were optional so the lap times of many riders are unknown.

It has felt like a long winter for the Aspar Team, with Jorge Martín and teammate Pecco Bagnaia itching to take delivery of their new Mahindra MGP30 machines.

Today the Indian factory finally unveiled their latest design, which features a similar chassis to the popular version used last season, with the principal updates coming in the shape of the engine and aerodynamics.

Jorge and Pecco were able to put together a number of laps today as they gradually build a database of information to work from this season.

Jorge spent all day on the 2016 bike, whilst Pecco opted to spend the morning on last year’s version before switching in the afternoon to make back-to-back comparisons. Both riders set their best lap times on their final run.

3rd – Jorge Martín – 1.47.857 (42 laps):
“At the start of the day the bike was cutting out on the exit of a few corners and we had to work to fix that. Then in the second session we had an issue with the gearbox, it seems there is a part that we need to adapt. Luckily we were able to work around these problems but tomorrow we will use a new gearbox. The set-up of the bike is positive and we have already put this year’s suspension in, which is an update from Ohlins that seems good. I am happy. At the end of the day we were able to set a fast pace even without a soft tyre. The first impressions of the new Mahindra are positive, it is quite an improvement on the bike from last year. We are still lacking a little compared to the other factories so hopefully Mahindra will have some more material for us at the next test. Anyway, after a few months without riding it was nice to come to Jerez and I am satisfied that I rode well.”

Source: Aspar Media