The Losail International Circuit celebrates its tenth anniversary this weekend and it does so in fine style as it welcomes the MotoGP World Championship for the opening round of the 2013 campaign. The desert circuit has been on the calendar since 2004 and has been the first destination on the calendar since 2007. It has also been the only night race on the calendar since 2008, adding an extra touch of excitement. The Moto3 class go to work this Thursday evening with the first free practice session of the second year of the ultra-competitive four-stroke championship, which promises to be just as closely fought as it was last year.
MAPFRE Aspar rider Jonas Folger is reluctant to make any predictions but the German has to be amongst the title favourites in the Moto3 class for 2013. Folger enjoyed a fantastic second half to the 2012 season after signing for the team midway through the championship and his preseason form suggests he can be amongst the thick end of the points from the opening round. His new team-mate for this year is Brazilian youngster Eric Granado, one of the surprise packages of the Jerez test where he finished in the top ten. Granado makes his Moto3 debut this weekend at 16 years of age and with the onus on gathering experience.
Jonas Folger: “Preseason is finally over and we are on our way to Qatar for the first race of the year. Winter has gone really well for us and I think we're ready. It is an honour for me to start the season as a MAPFRE Aspar Team rider. We had some great results together in the second half of last year and I hope we can continue in the same way. I feel well supported by the team, we're working well together and it is showing in my level of riding so hopefully it will translate to a good result on Sunday. It is too early to make any predictions but we can set our targets high. We have to take it race by race, starting from this Thursday. If we do our job right and nothing strange happens we'll be running at the front for sure.”
Eric Granado: “I've not got tired of saying how lucky I am. To be a MAPFRE Aspar Team rider is a massive privilege for me. I know I have a unique opportunity and I am going to do everything I can to make the most of it. We have worked hard all winter, the team have really helped me to adapt to this new category and I think we're ready for the first race of the season. Everything will be new for me in Qatar and I don't know the track but hopefully I can give it my best.”
Mapfre Aspar Moto3 Press Release
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