Tech 3’s Marcel Schrotter and Álex Mariñelarena today completed the first of three pre-season tests at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana in positive spirits, in preparation for the 2014 Moto2 World Championship.
The all new rider line up tested the Tech3 Racing Team’s exclusively self-designed and engineered Mistral 610 and eased back into the racing after a lengthy off season. Additionally, both riders explored different set ups, and became accustomed to the new 2014 spec Moto2 bikes.
Although the weather in Valencia did not initially provide ideal conditions for the Moto2 riders on the opening day with cold winds chilling track temperatures, Wednesday and Thursday were warmer and supplied the Moto2 riders with good conditions for the opening test.
Marcel Schrotter joins the Tech3 Racing Team having already spent several years in different classes in the World Championship. The German rider began the test by familiarizing himself with the Mistral 610, before exploring set-ups which would suit his riding style. Working relentlessly with his new team, Schrotter pushed forward and set encouraging lap times, despite a minor crash on Tuesday afternoon. This incident did not lower his confidence, and he proceeded to better his lap time to 1:36.684 which was one and a half seconds quicker than his initial time set on Tuesday. The Bavarian rider finished the testing session in 19th.
Álex Mariñelarena continued his learning experience of the Mistral 610 at Valencia as he begins his first, full time campaign with the Tech3 Racing Team this year. The young Spaniard’s time on track was restricted due to an early fall in the Tuesday session. He was uninjured but consequently lost track time due to repairs. However, the former CEV Buckler race winner regained his confidence and continued to push onward during the following days, and lowered his lap times. Mariñelarena finished the test with a best time of 1:37.015, having amassed 25 laps on the final day. His final placing was 25th.
Preparations for the season opener at the Losail Circuit in Qatar on the 23rd with Tech3 Racing Team’s Moto2 riders aiming to optimize the testing time before the season begins. The next testing session will commence on the 18th of February at the Circuito De Jerez, Spain.
Marcel Schrotter – 19th – 1:36.684:
“I am happy with how the test went. There were a few issues yesterday and this morning, with the bike suffering from chatter. This was unfortunate as the team and I were unable to work through our test schedule which we planned. Once this was solved, I had a good feeling with the bike and improved quickly. There are still six days of testing left, and I am confident that I will be prepared and be closer to the front as Qatar approaches."
Álex Mariñelarena - 25th – 1:37.015:
“Overall, I am quite happy. I was disappointed to have crashed on the first day, which meant that we lost the whole day of testing. On the second day, the team had to change the engine, which meant that we lost even more time. However, once everything was repaired on Wednesday afternoon, I was happy with how the bike felt and was also pleased with some of the other improvements the team made. I am feeling really confident and am looking forward to Jerez. I want say a big thanks to my Tech3 Racing Team for all of their work this week as well.”
Tech 3 Racing Press Release
