Today, during the second day of the official Moto2 IRTA Test at Jerez, Xavier Simeon made a first, positive race simulation aboard the Suter of the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2, showing a consistent pace also in the final stage of the long run, with worn tyres. A good result, mainly due to a change in the chassis geometry that enabled Siméon to lower his lap times more comfortably than yesterday. His best lap of the day, 1’43”088, puts him in seventh place in today’s timesheet, and in ninth place in the combined classification of the first two days of testing.
Lorenzo Baldassarri was also focused on full race distance, making a 26 laps long run with excellent results: the young rookie was therefore not looking at the single lap performance, setting - halfway through his long run - the 15th fastest time with 1’43”522.
Xavier Simeon (1'43"088 - 77 LAPS)
“I'm very happy because today I was able to complete a successful race simulation, during which I steadily improved my performance. Unfortunately I had to stop the long run after 21 laps due to a red flag, but then I completed 5 more laps to reach the full race distance, using the same tyres and keeping again a good pace. Our goal was to lap constantly under 1’44” and we did it, so I'm satisfied. Today we also made an important change to the chassis geometry; although initially I was doubtful, this change actually proved to be very useful, allowing me to lower lap times with much more ease than yesterday. Tomorrow we will try to continue to work in the same direction”.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (1'43"522 - 69 LAPS)
“Today I have completed my first race simulation: doing so many consecutive laps for the first time with a Moto2 machine it’s been really important for me, both from the physical point of view and from the point of view of the behavior of the bike over the full race distance. I struggled a little bit during the first laps, but then I managed to get a good rhythm and keep it for all of the remaining laps. Tyre performance has dropped at about 10 laps to go, and it’s been very interesting to ride in these conditions, having to overcome grip issues moving the body on the bike and changing riding style. I have definitely gained valuable experience in preparation for my first Moto2 Gran Prix”.
Gresini Press Release
