Team JiR embarked upon their first sessions at the Japanese circuit of Twin Ring Motegi today, in preparation for round 15 of the Moto2 World Championship.
Frenchman Johann Zarco enjoyed both sessions upon his updated 2013 MotoBI machine, finishing the day in 11th place. The 2013 TSR chassis will be used just in this race while the team and their TSR colleagues collect data for the 2013 machine and compare it with the current 2012 bike. The day was mainly spent looking at ways of improving traction from the rear-end of the MotoBI. The work will help TSR decide on a development path and final production specification for next year's chassis. The team will finish the remaining races on their current 2012 machine.
For Brazilian youngster Eric Granado, the day was mainly spent getting to grips with a new circuit. Thankfully the 16-year-old enjoyed his first day at the Japanese circuit and is aiming for big improvements tomorrow.
Today, championship leader Marc Marquez was fastest.
Johann Zarco – Position: 11th Best lap: 1m 52.590s
"We did some good work today with the new chassis from TSR and this one is quite interesting to compare to what we have been using. During the first session we worked hard on stopping the rear from sliding – we needed more traction – but by the end of that session the bike felt very good indeed. This afternoon with the rear feeling good, we tried to improve our time early on, but then I tried to do it again with consistency but it was difficult to stay consistent. By the end of the second session and after working on the front-end of the machine, I think we have a good feeling with the MotoBI and it is going well. We need to make adjustments to the clutch operation which affected us today and I know I need to think of ways in which I can improve but it has been a good start for us."
Eric Granado – Position: 31st Best lap: 1m 55.305s
"I've enjoyed the Motegi track it is fast and I like it very much. During first practice I spent my time simply learning the corners really. Then in second practice I tried to stay with the more experienced riders to see what the perfect line was to get a good lap time and I think for the second session I made some improvements and took a second off my lap time, so tomorrow I will do better. My aim in these races is to be closer to the pole-position man and during the race be closer to the eventual race winner. That is my aim."
JiR Moto2 Press Release
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