Hermann Tilke has again made his mark on the MotoGP calendar, designing the Circuit of the Americas that will this weekend host its first MotoGP World Championship event. Like all of the German designer’s creations, the Austin track features a lavish layout with a long straight. In fact, the straight is now the longest in the series, relegating that at Mugello to second. Only a small number of MotoGP riders have ridden at the track, and for the Moto3 competitors it will be completely new. In Qatar, preseason suspicions were confirmed when four of the riders tipped for success -Folger, Rins, Salom and Viñales- all impressed over the weekend. This time, they will have to adapt quickly to a new challenge.
MAPFRE Aspar rider Jonas Folger finished fifth in Qatar, after spending the entire weekend amongst the top positions. Regardless of the final outcome of the race, the competitive nature of the German rider over the four days is what has inspired the team the most. Folger is rapidly becoming one of the riders to beat in Moto3, right at the start of the campaign. He is known for his chameleonic attitude and his ability to adapt to any circumstances. This virtue could prove to be very useful this weekend, when all riders will be on unfamiliar ground.
Teammate Eric Granado, must also adapt swiftly to the American track. The young MAPFRE Aspar Team rider had a discreet start in Losail but is ready to keep on working and learning in the Moto3 class.
Jonas Folger:
"I think this race will be very interesting, at a totally new circuit which looks very good. It’s an unknown for everyone, so it will be interesting to see how each rider will adapt. I've seen some pictures and several videos, but I can’t say that I have a lot of information about the Circuit of the Americas. It seems very tricky, besides having a very long straight. We will try our best to adapt to it as quickly as possible. In Qatar we did a great job, but during the race the engine did not perform as well as it should have. So this weekend we will continue working to improve this, in order not to suffer on the long straight. I am convinced that I will enjoy the track -I think it will be very fun."
Eric Granado:
"The Circuit of the Americas is new to everyone and we have to get used to it as quickly as possible. It is a very long track and, from what I've seen, features fast corners alternating with very tight ones. For some time I have been using the F1 simulator in order to study the layout, but now I can’t wait to try it in person. It looks as cool a circuit as it does a demanding one. I am convinced that I will be fine though. With it being new to everyone this time, we will not start at a disadvantage like in Qatar -a circuit with which I was unfamiliar. Since returning from Doha I've been training in the gym and riding supermoto and motocross. I head to Texas eager to continue to work hard.”
Mapfre Aspar Moto3 Press Release
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