Granado, Folger, Terol and Torres close their test in Almería

Yesterday the test at the Almería Circuit came to an end for the riders and teams who were still testing for the 2013 season, so there was a lot of activity on the Andalusian track during these days, especially with the Aspar team, which had its full line-up in both the Moto2 and Moto3 categories.

After three intense days of testing, Jordi Torres and Nico Terol have closed the test in Almería with good feelings and with the desire to keep progressing with their respective machines, finishing 2012 on a high note and eager to keep improving for a 2013 Moto2 World Championship season that is expected to be very intense and hard-fought.

During the last day Torres tried the chassis he had already used on the first day of testing, and focused his efforts on finding the exact rigidity point for his machine, playing with springs and trying several types of linkage, one of the changes he has explored most during these test days. The Catalan has been improving the lap times set so far, and in the last run he set a time of 1:35.90, 1.3 seconds faster than in the second day.

For his part, Nico Terol also gained six tenths on his lap time compared with the second day, trying a new chassis for his Suter, as well as a frame with carbon reinforcements, much stiffer, which allowed the 18-year-old to ride faster, setting a time of 1:36.82 after 52 laps of the Andalusian track to close a very important test for the rider from Alcoy.

Statements from Jordi Torres 1:35.90 (45 laps):

Today we fitted the chassis from the first day again, it’s the one we like most, and with it the feelings have improved again. From the morning we took the working direction we saw yesterday, and in the first run we already brought the times down. We focused on finding the maximum possible grip at the first acceleration point. We played a lot with the hardness of the rear shock absorber, and also with several linkages, to adjust the stiffness of the bike. In the end we achieved more grip with a lot of lean angle, and we found more stability when passing through the corner. The runs were short but very consistent, pushing from the start. I finish this session very happy, because I feel more settled on this bike every time. Also being fast in short runs is very positive for the first laps of the races.

Statements from Nico Terol 1:36.82 (54 laps):

This third day has also been positive, today we tried another chassis innovation. A frame that incorporates carbon parts, stiffer than the one I used yesterday. I didn’t feel as comfortable as yesterday, even so I managed to improve my times, so overall I’m happy. After these three days we have managed to rule out several things, and now we know what the best we have is, for when we get back on the bike. Since today’s chassis was a test chassis, we had to end the session early. I would have liked to do another run, I’m convinced I would have improved my times. In any case I am very satisfied, because we have evolved a little on each day, we have worked conscientiously, we had time to try many things, and now we know which direction to take the next time we train.

As for the Moto3 riders, we saw in action Eric Granado, the rookie, and Jonas Folger, both of whom worked hard during these three days: the Brazilian to adapt to the bike, while the German keeps step by step setting up the machine to his liking, and he is undoubtedly one of the favourites for the 2013 season.

Folger managed to improve his lap times by eight tenths, and during the last day he tried several suspension hardness settings, in pursuit of a configuration that would give him the greatest possible stability. His teammate, Eric Granado, has also improved his times, but he is focused more on getting the feeling he needs with the Moto3.

Statements from Jonas Folger 1:40.10 (48 laps):

The temperature has dropped quite a lot and it has been difficult to bring the times down from yesterday. We worked with used tyres for most of the day, and we focused a lot on suspension work. We played with the hardness of both, to find the best balance. At the end of the day, with the setup we considered best, we fitted a new, softer tyre, and in the last run we improved considerably. We took an important step at the end, which helped us improve both the times and the feelings. These three days of training have been very useful; after a lot of trying, we now know what is optimal for riding fast. I loved coming to Almería, because I was able to ride on a demanding circuit that is completely different from any in the World Championship. I’m leaving happy because I have learned a lot in these three days.

Statements from Eric Granado 1:43.10 (45 laps):

Today it has been much colder than yesterday, you could notice it on the asphalt. Halfway through the day we had an engine problem that forced me to stop for a while. Fortunately the team worked flat out so that I could make the most of the afternoon. In the end we tried some new tyres that I liked quite a lot, and they allowed me to bring my time down from yesterday. Today we added a bit more experience on board this bike. I am very satisfied because during these three days I have learned many things with my team, and our adaptation is going perfectly. Now it’s time to prepare physically during the winter, and lose some weight to be in top shape when I get back on the bike.

Source | MotoGP Official website