Moto2 Mugello Marc VDS Racing Team Preview

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The iconic Mugello circuit plays host to round six of the Moto2 World Championship this weekend. Mika Kallio and Tito Rabat head to Italy determined to continue the Marc VDS Racing Team’s 100% podium record in 2014.

It’s a big ask for the two Marc VDS teammates as neither has ever finished on the podium at Mugello before. However, with four race wins and three podium finishes between them so far this season, that’s a situation both Kallio and Rabat are confident of rectifying this weekend in Italy.

Kallio is the rider on form at the moment, having taken back-to-back wins in Jerez and Le Mans to close to within seven points of his Marc VDS teammate at the top of the championship standings. But the Finn knows he will have a fight on his hands this weekend, as Rabat, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Sunday, looks to reaffirm his position as championship favourite.

Mika Kallio:

“I don’t know what it is about Italian tracks, especially Mugello, but I never seem to get the results I was expecting there. I like the track a lot, with the changes in elevation and the fast corners, but many times in the past we’ve had problems at Mugello. I hope this time will be different, as I feel more confident going into this race off the back of the two wins in Jerez and Le Mans. We just need to continue working as we did during the last few races and, hopefully, I will finally be able to add Mugello to the list of tracks at which I’ve finished on the podium.”

Tito Rabat:

“We go to Mugello with the same aim as we’ve gone to every race so far this season; to win. I like the track, it’s one of my favourites on the Grand Prix calendar, but it hasn’t always been so kind to me in the past. This year is different though, as I feel better prepared than ever and we head to Italy off the back of two race wins and two podiums, which means the confidence is high. Mika has had two good races and has closed the gap at the top of the standings, but it’s still too early to be thinking about the championship. With 13 races still to go, we need to remain focussed on the race by race approach that has worked well for us so far this season.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Argentina Moto2 Day 2

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A stunning late attack from Tito Rabat saw the Marc VDS Racing rider claim the first ever Moto2 pole position at the new Circuito Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina this afternoon.

A breathless lap of 1.43.961 kept the Spaniard’s 100% pole position record intact in 2014 at the end of a super close qualifying session that saw the top three split by just 0.077s.

Mika Kallio will start his 200th World Championship race from 14th on the grid, the Finn qualifying just under 0.4s from the top six on a day where he struggled for optimum grip on the abrasive new surface.

Tito Rabat // 1st // 1’43.961

“It has not been an easy weekend with the difficult track conditions, so I am very happy to be in pole position again. On the first day I had problems with rear grip and today problems with the front and it is very difficult to understand the grip because the track is changing constantly. We found a good solution and I made a very good lap time, but the most important thing is the race tomorrow. Many riders are very close and it will be key to make a good start and then a lot will depend on who can save the tyres the best for the final laps.”

Mika Kallio // 14th // 1’44.715

“I can’t be happy because 14th certainly isn’t a true reflection of my speed. I used the soft option tyres at the start of the session but then I had no more because this track is so aggressive for tyre wear that we’ve had to use a lot of tyres already. At the end I had to finish on the hard front and rear because I need to keep a soft option for tomorrow in case we decide that’s what we will race with. We’ve got a lot of information now with the hard tyres and I think for the rear we will have to use that one for the best performance over a race distance. The starting position isn’t good but my race pace is strong and if I can be cool at the start then anything is still possible.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Relase

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Argentina Moto2 Day 1

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Marc VDS Racing Team riders Tito Rabat and Mika Kallio finished inside the top 10 at the end of an opening day of practice spent searching for grip on a dirty and slippery surface at the fast and flowing new Circuito Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina.

World Championship leader Rabat was sixth fastest, the Spaniard dedicating his entire time on track in overcast conditions to improving grip and tyre endurance with his Kalex machine.

A lap of 1.45.394 was just over 0.3s away from the quickest pace, with the top 20 riders split by less than a second in a typically fierce Moto2 battle.

Mika Kallio eventually enjoyed a positive start to a milestone weekend in his Grand Prix career. The Finn was 33rd in FP1 but major set-up modifications rocketed him back into the top 10 ahead of what is scheduled to be his 200th start, making him the first Finnish rider to reach the landmark.

Tito Rabat // 6th //1’45.394

“Today was very difficult and we had many problems with grip because the track is very dirty, especially this morning when it was very bad. In the afternoon the track improved a lot and I could go almost 1.6s faster but I still need to improve the setting of the bike tomorrow to get more grip. This morning we had problems with the rear and in FP2 it was more the front causing me some trouble, so we have to work to find a good balance.”

Mika Kallio // 9th //1’45.419

“This morning was a complete disaster and a horrible start to the weekend. The rear linkage I prefer is different to what most of the other riders use, and we know it doesn’t work at some tracks when the grip is low. We decided to start with the same package I raced in Qatar and Austin but we saw immediately I was so slow and I destroyed the tyres in the first three laps. We changed the linkage and immediately in FP2 the bike felt completely different and I was much faster. I am happy with the feeling now and it is good to be back in the top 10. The challenge now is to adapt the bike to work as the track gets cleaner and more grip is on the surface.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Preview Argentina Moto2

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The Grand Prix circus returns to Argentina for the first time in 15 years this weekend and the Marc VDS Racing Team’s Tito Rabat and Mika Kallio are looking forward to the challenge of racing on the all new Termas de Rio Hondo circuit.

While Kallio’s first glimpse of the circuit will come on Thursday, Rabat was one of two Moto2 riders that travelled out to Argentina last year to spend two days testing on the track. The Moto2 championship leader was impressed with both the layout of the circuit and the enthusiasm of the Argentinian race fans he met during his visit.

Tito Rabat:

“The Termas de Rio Hondo track is a good one. It has a good mix of fast and slow corners, with a long back straight. When we tested there the track was very dirty, as it had just been finished, and we had rain on the second day. It meant we weren’t really up to speed, but at least we got a feel for the track layout. I’m looking forward to returning this weekend. We need to sort out the gearbox issues we had in Austin, but I don’t think it will be quite so noticeable in Argentina, because of the nature of the circuit. It’s far too early in the season to be thinking about the championship, so, once again we will head into the race looking for the win.”

Mika Kallio:

“The shoulder injury that caused me the problem in Austin is already much better. I’ll get it checked ahead of the weekend but, from what I’ve seen of the Termas de Rio Hondo track, it’s not going to be as physically demanding on the riders as Austin. It’s a new track, which means it’s an unknown in terms of set up, but then it’s the same for everyone. I had the pace in Qatar and again in Texas, so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be up there again this weekend. A win would be the perfect way to end the three overseas races and it would put me back on terms with Tito and Maverick Vinales in terms of the championship.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Austin Moto2 Race

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Tito Rabat maintained his 100% podium record in 2014 after the Marc VDS Racing Team rider rode to a determined second place in an entertaining Moto2 race at the Circuit of the Americas.

After a delayed start when rain spots fell just moments before the warm-up lap, Rabat recovered brilliantly from sixth position to take second, extending his World Championship lead to seven-points over race winner Maverick Vinales.

The physical demands of the long and technical COTA track, which features some of the hardest braking zones and fastest changes of direction on the calendar, aggravated on old left shoulder injury for Mika Kallio.

The Finn ignored the intense pain to keep himself in the podium hunt right to the chequered flag and he eventually finished just over a second behind third place in fourth.

Tito Rabat // 2nd

“After making the pole position obviously I wanted to win but these are 20 very important points for the Championship. I got a good start but there was a lot of contact throughout the race, so I pushed as hard as I could and I’m satisfied to come through to second. I had a problem with the gearbox again in the first gear corners. It was so bad at the end I wasn’t even using first gear, so to finish second is a positive result and we can go to Argentina leading the World Championship and ready to fight for the victory again.”

  

Mika Kallio // 4th

“I was really strong at the start of the race and I was always around fourth position and confident my pace was good enough to stay with the first group and get on the podium again. I was right in contention and then suddenly I started to get a really bad pain in my left arm and shoulder from an old injury. I lost power in my hand and I kept making mistakes on the brakes and it was hard to use the clutch for shifting down. The pain was coming so bad in the shoulder I just wanted to finish the race and without that I am sure I could have finished on the podium.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Austin Moto2 Day 2

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The Marc VDS Racing Team’s Tito Rabat rode the fastest ever Moto2 lap of the spectacular Circuit of the Americas this afternoon to claim a stunning pole position that maintained the Spaniard’s perfect start to 2014.

After claiming the pole and victory double in Qatar, Rabat rode a faultless last lap of 2’10.135 this afternoon to top the qualifying timesheets by 0.266s.

His fantastic last lap, which came after his crew had calmly rectified a clutch and gearbox issue in high-pressure circumstances, secured the second successive pole position at COTA for the Marc VDS Racing Team, after Scott Redding took the first ever Moto2 pole in Texas a year ago.

Mika Kallio’s bid for a second successive COTA rostrum will start from 11th position, the Finnish rider unable to capitalise on the grip offered by fresh Dunlop tyres at the end of qualifying.

Kallio though has been one of the strongest performers on worn tyres all weekend, and he remains confident that he can follow up his second position in Qatar with another strong challenge for the top three in tomorrow’s 19-lap encounter.

Tito Rabat // Pole Position // 2’10.135
“I am really happy to be back on pole position because that qualifying session was very difficult at times. All weekend we have had a problem with the gearbox and downshifting to first gear. That becomes a big issue at this track where there are five first gear corners. In qualifying my team did an unbelievable job to find a solution and I don’t think many in the paddock could do that. My last lap was fantastic and I am confident for the race. It is going to be a tough race with so many riders fast but it would be great to get another victory to follow up from Qatar.”

Mika Kallio // 11th // 2’10.945
“Unfortunately I had a similar problem today that I had many times in qualifying last season. At the start when most riders are out on used tyres, I am one of the fastest and in the top three. But at the end when everybody is switching to fresh rubber, I can’t feel the benefit and the lap time is worse. It happened this morning too when I was faster on tyres with more than 30 laps on them than I was on a new tyre. It is hard to explain but the bike behaves completely different. It makes it very difficult for the race to start 11th but last year I started ninth and still fought back to take a podium, so with a good start anything is possible.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Austin Moto2 Day 1

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World Championship leader Tito Rabat and Marc VDS Racing teammate Mike Kallio made a positive start to Moto2 practice at the state-of-the-art Circuit of the Americas today.

Spaniard Rabat was third quickest in both 45-minute practice sessions, the opening round winner in Qatar finishing just over 0.3s off Johann Zarco's best pace.

Rabat focussed on refining the race set-up of his Kalex machine and his best pace of 2.11.147 was almost 0.6s under Nico Terol’s 2013 lap record.

Positive work on worn tyres saw Kallio leap from 12th in FP1 to sixth this afternoon, the Finnish rider pleased to shave off close to 1.5s in the second session.

The most pleasing aspect of Kallio’s fast start was his best lap came on a rear tyre that he’d already completed well over race distance on, and but for a small gearbox issue on his fastest lap, Kallio is confident he could have finished behind Rabat in fourth position.

  

Tito Rabat // 3rd // 2’11.147

“I am very happy with today because I was inside the top three in both sessions. We made a very good job with the team and we tried many different settings on the bike and already I am optimistic we have found a good base for the race. We still need to work in some areas, particularly the slower sections, to improve tomorrow. But I really like this track and I am sure if we can continue the good work of today we can battling for the victory again like in Qatar.”

Mika Kallio // 6th // 2’11.329

“This morning was strange because we know this track is very complicated and I found it difficult to get into a rhythm. The bike wouldn’t do what I wanted but for this afternoon we made a very big step and I am satisfied. My best time was set on the softer rear tyre that had done 25 laps because I used it at the end of FP1 and for the whole of FP2. We need to save the soft tyres though for qualifying and the race because to be honest the hard option is too hard and impossible for me to use. On my last lap second gear jumped out in one corner and put me into neutral, and that cost me 0.2s, so without that I’d be higher up the rankings and that means I can relax for tomorrow.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Preview Austin Moto2

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The Marc VDS Racing Team’s Tito Rabat and Mika Kallio are keen to repeat the success of Qatar this weekend, as they head to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas for round two of the 2014 Moto2 World Championship. 

Rabat and Kallio were involved in an intense three-way battle in the Qatar race, which they finished first and second, and the competition between the two Marc VDS riders promises to be just as fierce this weekend in Austin where, just 12 months ago, they were involved in a frantic last lap battle for second place that eventually went the way of the 24-year-old Spaniard.

Tito Rabat:

“It was good to start with a win in Qatar, but that was only the first race of what promises to be a very long season. Now we need to focus on Austin, then Argentina and then each race as it comes. We need to go into every weekend with the aim of winning. Even if it’s impossible to win every race, this is what we need to fight for. The Austin track is an interesting one in terms of finding a good set up, but I’m confident my crew will find exactly what we need from the bike this weekend. I improved in every session last year, eventually finishing second in the race, and I hope we can do the same again this time around, but maybe one place better.”

Mika Kallio:

“Qatar was a great way to start the season, but now we need to carry that momentum into the Austin weekend. We struggled a little with set up for the Circuit of the Americas last year, because you need to find a good compromise between stability for the four or five hard braking areas and the agility needed for fast changes in direction. We didn’t manage to find this compromise until the Saturday night last season, so we need to focus on this during the first free practice sessions on Friday. It would be great to repeat the result from Qatar, with the positions reversed of course, but I think the other riders may well have something to say about that!”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Race Review Losail Moto2

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Tito Rabat and Mika Kallio got the Marc VDS Racing Team’s 2014 Moto2 World Championship campaign off to a flying start, with the 24-year-old Spaniard winning the opening race of the season in Qatar and his teammate joining him on the podium in third place.

Rabat made a good start from pole, but got pushed out wide in turn one and dropped back to fifth. The Marc VDS rider then battled his way back towards the front, eventually passing his teammate and then pushing past Takaaki Nakagami on lap 13 to take the lead, which he held to the chequered flag.

    

Kallio pushed hard on the final laps to try and pass Nakagami for second, but lacked the necessary grip from the right side of the rear tyre to make the challenge and was forced to settle for third at the line.

Tito Rabat // 1st

“I’m happy to have come here to Qatar and taken the first win of the season on my debut for the Marc VDS team. I got a good start, but then Taka Nakagami braked really late into turn one and I made a mistake and ran wide. It took me a good few laps to work my way back to the front, but I was pushed all the way by Taka and Mika. In the end I managed to defend the lead to take the win, but I need to think about the early laps and also how to manage better the end of the race. It was a great way to start the season and now we need to look ahead to the next race in Austin.”

Mika Kallio // 3rd

“I got a good start, making up places off the line and managed to slot into second behind Taka, who’d already pulled a gap at the front. It took me two laps to catch him, and I had the pace to pass, but I decided to sit in behind, stay as smooth as possible and save my tyres for the last few laps. The lap times were quick, but I felt comfortable, until Taka upped the pace again with about eight laps to go. Then Tito came past me and I started to struggle for grip in the right hand turns. I was making up ground in the left corners only to lose it again in the right corners. I lost contact with them on the final lap and decided to settle for third and the points. Although we could have won tonight, I’m happy to finish on the podium after such a big crash yesterday. Thanks to my crew, who put in long hours to rebuild the bike last night. Thanks also to Petronas Raceline Malaysia for the loan of a frame.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Losail Moto2 Day 3

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Tito Rabat smashed the lap record during tonight’s 45-minute qualifying session in Qatar, to claim pole position for the opening race of the 2014 Moto2 World Championship. Mika Kallio will start from the second row of the grid in sixth, after surviving a big crash on his final flying lap.

Rabat was on top form at the Losail International circuit tonight, topping the timesheet halfway through the session and then seeing off a challenge from Sandro Cortese to secure a third career pole position. Mika Kallio looked set to join his teammate on the front row, but was lucky to walk away uninjured after hitting Sandro Cortese’s bike after the German crashed in the final minutes of the session.

Tito Rabat // 1st // 2’00.081

“I’m happy to be on pole position for the first race and on my first weekend with a new team. We were missing rear grip in the first free practice sessions, but we worked together on the problem and we improved the situation; that’s important. It was enough to see me on pole position for the first race, which is a good feeling, but the work isn’t done. Tomorrow we need to see how we go in warm up before making a decision on our strategy for the race.”

Mika Kallio // 6th // 2’00.621

“Qualifying went well, right up until the last lap! My pace was good, with a run of consistent laps, but none of them were without incident, as there was a lot of traffic on track. I knew I could improve and I had one chance to do it, but then I saw the yellow flags on my final lap. I saw a bike and rider on the outside of the track as I was turning in, but then I saw Cortese’s bike on the line and I couldn’t avoid it. I’m fine, but the same can’t be said of the bike. The team are assessing the damage now, but I think I will be starting warm up on a completely new bike, which is never good. But, my race pace is good and I’m starting from the second row, so I remain confident for tomorrow’s race.”

Livio Loi // 20th // 2’08.177

“I’m obviously not happy with my qualifying position today. The session started badly when I stalled the bike right at the end of pit lane and my mechanics had to run 500 metres to get me restarted. It meant I was on my own on track for the first part of the session. My lap times during the second two exits were good, but the time lost at the beginning of the session left me only two laps to try and put in a qualifying time on the soft tyre. My last flying lap was looking good for a top 16 start, but then a crash and a slower rider in front of me lost me time. Starting from 20th makes things harder, but we know my race pace is good, so I’ll just have to push hard from the start.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Losail Moto2 Day 2

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Tito Rabat finished today’s sole Moto2 free practice at the Losail International Circuit in third place, but remains second fastest overall with his time from yesterday. Mika Kallio remains tenth on combined times, after finishing this evening’s 45-minute free practice in the same position.

Tito Rabat // 2nd // 2’00.574

“It was another good free practice session for us tonight. We managed to find a solution to a couple of small problems we had yesterday and now we also have a better idea of which tyre we will use for the race on Sunday. I found a good rhythm on the bike tonight and my pace was fast and consistent, but tomorrow we need to find just a little bit more for qualifying. Overall, I’m happy with today.”

Mika Kallio // 10th // 2’01.039

“For tonight we decided to try a few changes on the bike, mainly on the rear suspension and engine braking, but they didn’t bring the improvement we were expecting. My pace was good, but my feeling with the bike wasn’t as good as it was yesterday and I wasn’t able to push quite as hard for a fast lap. For tomorrow’s qualifying session we will go back to the settings from yesterday; we haven’t really lost anything because we know that these settings are good. We also go into tomorrow with a much better idea of which tyre we need for a fast qualifying lap and which one we’ll use for the race.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Losail moto2 Day 1

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Tito Rabat got the first race weekend of the season in Qatar off to a flying start, finishing tonight’s two free practice sessions in second place and just 0.052s off Takaaki Nakagami’s provisional pole position time.

Mika Kallio posted the fastest lap during tonight’s opening free practice but, despite improving his time in the second session, eventually ended the evening tenth on the timesheet.

Tito Rabat // 2nd // 2’00.574

“The feeling with the bike was good from the start, the pace was fast and I felt comfortable with the lap times. The track was a little bit dirty today, like always on the first day in Qatar, but it will clean up tomorrow and the lap times will improve further. Tomorrow we will look for further improvements, but the good thing is that we only need to make small changes to the setup of the bike to achieve this. I’m happy to finally get the season underway and I’m pleased with how things have gone today here in Qatar.”

Mika Kallio // 10th // 2’01.039

“In the first session the feeling with the bike was good from the start, on the base setting we refined during preseason testing. My lap times were consistent and it’s always good to end the first session at the top of the timesheet. In the second session we used the harder option tyre, as there’s a good chance this will be the race tyre and, again, the lap times were consistent. What I didn’t get was a proper flying lap; I was on my fastest lap right at the end, with a red through sector 1, but I got the bike sideways out of turn 10 and lost time. Today was a good way to start the new season and tomorrow we will look for further improvements with the harder option tyre.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Podium the target for Rabat and Kallio in Qatar

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Tito Rabat and Mika Kallio head to the Middle East determined to get their 2014 Moto2 World Championship campaign off to a flying start in Qatar, after topping the timesheet at all three preseason tests in which they participated.

In Valencia and Phillip Island it was Rabat who dominated, posting the fastest time at Circuit Ricardo Tormo and then going on to smash the lap record in Australia during the Dunlop tyre test.

In Jerez, Kallio waited until the final session of the three-day test before replacing his teammate at the top of the timesheet. The 31-year-old Finn’s time of 1’42.169 was not bettered during the final Jerez test, which the two Marc VDS Moto2 riders didn’t attend.

Tito Rabat:

“Preseason testing has gone well. We’ve found a good setting with the bike and the lap times have been fast, but now we must carry that momentum into the first race. I’m going to Qatar to fight for the win, but I suspect the other 34 Moto2 riders are heading out there with exactly the same idea! Everyone arrives at the first race of the season with a lot of energy and high expectations, so it’s definitely a bit special. I like the Qatar track, but we will need to fight from the first practice to stay in front. We need to work hard, make our best and push every day.”

Mika Kallio:

“The results from the end of last year when combined with our preseason testing performance means we go into 2014 with some confidence. The first three races are the most important; if we can return to Europe at the end of April with three good results behind us then that only adds confidence and motivation. I really believe that this season I can fight for race wins and also the title. While Qatar doesn’t rate as one of my favourite tracks, I’ve had some good results there in the past and I find racing under floodlights quite interesting, as it’s a bit different to the other races on the calendar.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Rapid Rabat blitzes Phillip Island tyre test

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Tito Rabat smashed the Moto2 lap record by almost half a second, to end the Phillip Island tyre test at the top of the timesheet. The 24-year-old Spaniard was quickest on day one, but his time of 1'32.168 on day two was the fastest ever recorded by a Moto2 bike at Phillip Island.

But it wasn't just his Moto2 rivals who had their eye on Rabat; the Marc VDS rider was also quicker than all but two of the MotoGP riders through sector two on the first two days of the test.

Only a crash at turn two late in the afternoon on the final day marred Rabat's Phillip Island test. While his Kalex Moto2 machine was badly damaged, Rabat himself walked away from the crash with minor grazes on his lower back.

Mika Kallio ended the three-day test second on the Moto2 timesheet, despite crashing heavily at Siberia late on Monday afternoon. The 31-year-old Finn was lucky to walk away with only a bruised left wrist, but the injury hampered his efforts to close the half-second gap to his teammate over the remaining two days.

Rabat and Kallio completed an extensive test programme for Dunlop at Phillip Island, including race simulations in both the hot conditions of day two and the cooler conditions of day three. The two Marc VDS riders declared themselves happy with both the performance and endurance of the tyres supplied by Dunlop at the test.

Tito Rabat // 1'32.168 // 241 Laps

“I'm really happy with how the test has gone overall. We came here to test tyres, but we've also managed to confirm a lot of things on the bike, as well as improving the suspension set up, the operation of the shifter and many other things. The first two days were good, with the lap time improving with each exit, but I'm a little bit disappointed that a crash during my race simulation ended today's testing early. I was chasing a 1'31s lap today, but the crash caused so much damage to the bike that it wasn't possible to continue. Luckily, I walked away with just grazes, but I'm sorry for my mechanics, who now have a lot of work to do to rebuild the bike.”

Mika Kallio // 1'32.698 // 202 Laps

“Alongside the tyre testing for Dunlop we wanted to work more on our base set up here at Philip Island. Last year the changes we had to make at different circuits were too big, so we've been working towards a more balanced base set up on the bike. So far it's worked at Valencia, Jerez and now Phillip Island, three very different circuits, so we're definitely going in the right direction. Some of the tyres Dunlop brought to this test were too stiff in the construction for my riding style, but the two we used for the race simulations today were good. Now it will be up to Dunlop to decide which tyres they bring for the race, not an easy choice given the difference in conditions on the second and third days. Hopefully at least one of my preferred tyres will be included in the race selection.”

Pete Benson // Chief Mechanic, Tito Rabat

“The focus of the test has been on tyre testing for Dunlop, but we've also managed to do a couple of other little things with the suspension and the quick shifter, to try and make it a little smoother, which have both been quite positive. Tito has just been completely focussed the whole three days. Lapping on or under lap record pace, lap after lap, just seems quite effortless to him at the moment. It's been a good test for us and, I hope, it's been equally productive for Dunlop.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS Racing Team Review Jerez Moto2 Test

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Mika Kallio smashed the Jerez lap record by over a second on the final day in Spain, posting a time of 1’42.169 to finish the three days of testing at the top of the timesheet, just as his Marc VDS teammate, Tito Rabat, did one week ago in Valencia.

Rabat looked all set to repeat the success of Valencia, after finally ousting Tom Lüthi from the number one slot on the timesheet with a time of 1’42.223. But shortly after calling a halt to testing, the 24-year-old Spaniard had to sit and watch as his teammate finally denied him the top spot.

It was a tough test for the team’s Moto3 rider, Livio Loi. The 16-year-old Belgian made good progress on the opening day, but the increased pace meant he struggled to find a good feeling with the bike on the remaining two days.

Kallio and Rabat will now head to Australia, where they’ll participate in a Dunlop Moto2 tyre test at Phillip Island from 3 – 5 March, their final test ahead of the first race of the season in Qatar. Loi will return to Jerez from 11-13 March, to participate in the final Moto3 test.

Mika Kallio: 1st – 1’42.169

““The first two days we confirmed the settings we tested in Valencia, keeping our preferred tyres for the race and qualifying simulations today. In the race simulation I was happy with my speed and consistency, with my best and worst laps separated by just half a second. In the qualifying simulation I finally had the feeling that was missing last year - the feeling of being on the limit. I knew I was on a fast lap, but it’s always good to see it confirmed on timesheet, especially when your name is on the top! Okay, it’s only testing, but it all builds confidence ahead of the first race.”

Tito Rabat: 2nd – 1’42.223

“It’s been a good test for us, as we’ve managed to test a lot of things on the bike over the three days. Each time we’ve made a small step, but always in the right direction, constantly improving the bike and the lap time. We still have some things to try in Phillip Island next month, mainly tyres and fairings, but I’m happy with where we’re at right now. The aim during testing was always to build towards the first race in Qatar and that’s exactly what we’ve done here at Jerez and in Valencia last week.”

Livio Loi: 12th – 1’46.906

“The first day I was already quicker than I was here last year, but increasing your pace also highlights problems with the set-up of the bike that weren’t apparent before. We worked through different settings on the second day, and there was some improvement, but we made a bigger step today, and I was able to break into the 1’46s bracket for the first time. Of course, now I’m faster again, the bike again feels different and this is something we’ll have to address at the next test. It’s a lot of work, but when it brings results like it has today then it’s definitely worth it.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Marc VDS head to Valencia to get 2014 campaign underway

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The Marc VDS Racing Team will get their 2014 campaign underway at Valencia on Tuesday 11th February, with the first of three pre-season tests for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes. All three of the team’s riders – Mika Kallio, Tito Rabat and Livio Loi – are raring to go after the three-month winter break.

Kallio spent the break at home in Finland, with a trip to Lapland to see in the New Year, but he didn’t let the notorious Finnish winter weather stop him racing. A former national ice racing champion, Kallio continues to race whenever he’s home in the winter, but this year he also took to the snow and ice in his four-wheeled, Suzuki GSXR750 powered Cross Kart. The 31-year-old is looking forward to returning to the track in Valencia aboard his Kalex Moto2 bike, without the need for spiked tyres!

Rabat has also kept himself sharp by racing on both two wheels and four over the winter break. The 24-year-old Spaniard contested the GSeries BPA race alongside Bradley Smith in Andorra, as well as finishing second behind Brad ‘The Bullet’ Baker in the Superfinal at the Superprestigio Dirt Track event in Barcelona. Rabat finished third in the Moto2 World Championship in 2013 and, with the two riders above him moving up to MotoGP, will start the season as one of the title favourites.

Loi experienced a difficult debut in the Moto3 World Championship last year, but battled his way into the points on four occasions during the season. This year the 16-year-old Belgian has clear targets for the year ahead, with top 15 finishes in both races and the Championship the goal set by the team.

Mika Kallio:

“The winter break has been spent at home in Finland. Most years I would have been out on the ice-racing bike, but winter came late this year, so it’s not been possible and most of my training has been confined to the gym. It means I’m 100% motivated to get back on the Moto2 bike in Valencia, probably more motivated than ever before. I know people are talking about Tito and myself in terms of the championship title this season, but I don’t feel any pressure. We know what we have to work with, because the 2014 Kalex is not so different to the 2013 bike. We know what we need to improve compared to last year; most important is to find a good compromise between rear grip and tyre longevity, but we have some idea how to accomplish this.”

Tito Rabat:

“I kept myself busy over the winter, with motocross, dirt track and even a car race on ice up in Andorra, but I also took some time out to relax after a busy season. The car racing was fun; you had to be really smooth on the ice. The dirt track racing was also fun, but very different. It’s a really explosive sport, with lots of sliding and contact; you’re at the maximum from the start to the finish. I enjoyed it a lot. Now it’s time to get back into the rhythm of the season and I’m looking forward to working with the guys in my crew again. The aim in testing is to ensure we have the most competitive package for the first race in Qatar, not to try to win testing with the fastest lap, but if we get the set up right then we know the the lap times will come.”

Livio Loi:

“It seems a long time since I last rode the Moto3 bike, but I’ve been riding almost everyday over the winter break. After a few weeks motocross training in England before Christmas I headed over to the Texas Tornado Boot Camp for two weeks. There I was on the bike for four or five hours a day and learnt a lot about machine control and throttle control, although for the first few days it was difficult to sit down! Now I’m looking forward to getting back on the Moto3 bike. I’m better prepared than ever and I have been set clear targets for the new season. Meeting those targets starts next week at Valencia. I can’t wait!”

Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal

“With Tito finishing third and Mika fourth in the Championship last year, both riders go into the new season with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. But this expectation hasn’t changed their approach and it hasn’t changed that of the team, either. We head to the first two tests in Spain with clear goals, as well as a determination not to get drawn into the battle for bragging rights that a fast lap brings. We need to be fast from the first race onwards and so we will use testing as it was intended, to ensure that we arrive in Qatar with the most competitive package. Livio heads into his second season with the team, after a learning year in 2013. He also has clear goals this time around, and he understands fully that these goals are set in stone and not in anyway flexible. I am confident, however, that he will rise to the challenge.”

Marc VDS Racing Team Press Release

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Takaaki Nakagami Pole Position Moto2 Brno

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Takaaki Nakagami set the fastest lap 2'02.202 on the Moto2 qualifying session at Brno at take his pole position. Pol Espargaro on second fastest 2'02.599, while Esteve Rabat on third fastest 2'02.599

1 Takaaki NAKAGAMI Italtrans Racing Team 2'02.202

2 Pol ESPARGARO Tuenti HP 40 2'02.599

3 Esteve RABAT Tuenti HP 40 2'02.599

4 Mika KALLIO Marc VDS Racing Team 2'02.658

5 Sandro CORTESE Dynavolt Intact GP 2'02.667

6 Jordi TORRES Aspar Team Moto2 2'02.690

7 Johann ZARCO Came Iodaracing Project 2'02.704

8 Thomas LUTHI Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing 2'02.829

9 Nicolas TEROL Aspar Team Moto2 2'02.852

10 Dominique AEGERTER Technomag carXpert 2'02.915

11 Marcel SCHROTTER Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 2'02.944

12 Danny KENT Tech 3 2'02.956

13 Scott REDDING Marc VDS Racing Team 2'02.996

14 Julian SIMON Italtrans Racing Team 2'03.088

15 Simone CORSI NGM Mobile Racing 2'03.173

16 Mattia PASINI NGM Mobile Racing 2'03.337

17 Mike DI MEGLIO JiR Moto2 2'03.469

18 Toni ELIAS Blusens Avintia 2'03.473

19 Xavier SIMEON Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 2'03.518

20 Yuki TAKAHASHI IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia 2'03.595

21 Alex DE ANGELIS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'03.661

22 Randy KRUMMENACHER Technomag carXpert 2'03.757

23 Alberto MONCAYO Argiñano & Gines Racing 2'03.948

24 Anthony WEST QMMF Racing Team 2'04.035

25 Ricard CARDUS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'04.089

26 Steven ODENDAAL Argiñano & Gines Racing 2'04.155

27 Axel PONS Tuenti HP 40 2'04.286

28 Louis ROSSI Tech 3 2'04.299

29 Gino REA Gino Rea Montaze Broz Racing 2'04.357

30 Dani RIVAS Blusens Avintia 2'04.857

31 Lucas MAHIAS Promoto Sport 2'04.873

32 Doni Tata PRADITA Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 2'05.509

33 Rafid Topan SUCIPTO QMMF Racing Team 2'06.578

34 Thitipong WAROKORN Thai Honda PTT Gresini Moto2 2'08.747

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Takaaki Nakagami on Top FP3 Brno

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Takaaki Nakagami leads the FP3 Brno 2'02.202. Pol Espargaro on second fastest by 2'02.599, while Esteve Rabat on third fastest 2'02.599

1 Takaaki NAKAGAMI Italtrans Racing Team 2'02.202
2 Pol ESPARGARO Tuenti HP 40 2'02.599
3 Esteve RABAT Tuenti HP 40 2'02.599
4 Mika KALLIO Marc VDS Racing Team 2'02.658
5 Sandro CORTESE Dynavolt Intact GP 2'02.667
6 Jordi TORRES Aspar Team Moto2 2'02.690
7 Johann ZARCO Came Iodaracing Project 2'02.704
8 Thomas LUTHI Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing 2'02.829
9 Nicolas TEROL Aspar Team Moto2 2'02.852
10 Dominique AEGERTER Technomag carXpert 2'02.915
11 Marcel SCHROTTER Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 2'02.944
12 Danny KENT Tech 3 2'02.956
13 Scott REDDING Marc VDS Racing Team 2'02.996
14 Julian SIMON Italtrans Racing Team 2'03.088
15 Simone CORSI NGM Mobile Racing 2'03.173
16 Mattia PASINI NGM Mobile Racing 2'03.337
17 Mike DI MEGLIO JiR Moto2 2'03.469
18 Toni ELIAS Blusens Avintia 2'03.473
19 Xavier SIMEON Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 2'03.518
20 Yuki TAKAHASHI IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia 2'03.595
21 Alex DE ANGELIS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'03.661
22 Randy KRUMMENACHER Technomag carXpert 2'03.757
23 Alberto MONCAYO Argiñano & Gines Racing 2'03.948
24 Anthony WEST QMMF Racing Team 2'04.035
25 Ricard CARDUS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'04.089
26 Steven ODENDAAL Argiñano & Gines Racing 2'04.155
27 Axel PONS Tuenti HP 40 2'04.286
28 Louis ROSSI Tech 3 2'04.299
29 Gino REA Gino Rea Montaze Broz Racing 2'04.357
30 Dani RIVAS Blusens Avintia 2'04.857
31 Lucas MAHIAS Promoto Sport 2'04.873
32 Doni Tata PRADITA Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 2'05.509
33 Rafid Topan SUCIPTO QMMF Racing Team 2'06.578
34 Thitipong WAROKORN Thai Honda PTT Gresini Moto2 2'08.747

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Pol Espargaro Leads Moto2 Brno FP1

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Pol Espargaro set the fastest lap 2'03.125 on the FP1 Moto2 at Brno circuit. Thomas Luthi on second fastest 2'03.478, while Esteve Rabat on third fastest 2'03.595

1 Pol ESPARGARO Tuenti HP 40 2'03.125

2 Thomas LUTHI Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing 2'03.478

3 Esteve RABAT Tuenti HP 40 2'03.595

4 Dominique AEGERTER Technomag carXpert 2'03.744

5 Julian SIMON Italtrans Racing Team 2'03.787

6 Mika KALLIO Marc VDS Racing Team 2'03.820

7 Simone CORSI NGM Mobile Racing 2'03.872

8 Sandro CORTESE Dynavolt Intact GP 2'03.889

9 Nicolas TEROL Aspar Team Moto2 2'04.149

10 Jordi TORRES Aspar Team Moto2 2'04.333

11 Takaaki NAKAGAMI Italtrans Racing Team 2'04.378

12 Johann ZARCO Came Iodaracing Project 2'04.404

13 Alex DE ANGELIS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'04.430

14 Scott REDDING Marc VDS Racing Team 2'04.480

15 Mattia PASINI NGM Mobile Racing 2'04.490

16 Yuki TAKAHASHI IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia 2'04.493

17 Anthony WEST QMMF Racing Team 2'04.549

18 Randy KRUMMENACHER Technomag carXpert 2'04.613

19 Toni ELIAS Blusens Avintia 2'04.640

20 Xavier SIMEON Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 2'04.811

21 Danny KENT Tech 3 2'04.827

22 Mike DI MEGLIO JiR Moto2 2'04.880

23 Marcel SCHROTTER Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 2'04.881

24 Axel PONS Tuenti HP 40 2'04.945

25 Louis ROSSI Tech 3 2'04.993

26 Alberto MONCAYO Argiñano & Gines Racing 2'05.725

27 Ricard CARDUS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'05.761

28 Steven ODENDAAL Argiñano & Gines Racing 2'06.283

29 Dani RIVAS Blusens Avintia 2'06.430

30 Doni Tata PRADITA Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 2'06.456

31 Thitipong WAROKORN Thai Honda PTT Gresini Moto2 2'06.527

32 Lucas MAHIAS Promoto Sport 2'07.730

33 Gino REA Gino Rea Montaze Broz Racing 2'07.855

34 Rafid Topan SUCIPTO QMMF Racing Team 2'08.686

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Esteve Rabat Wins Moto2 Indianapolis

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Esteve Rabat wins the Moto2 race at Indinapolis by 0.7 second from Takaaki Nakagami. Scott Redding, the pole sitter, just finishes on third place of the race, 1.7 seconds behind

1 Esteve RABAT Tuenti HP 40 43'47.432
2 Takaaki NAKAGAMI Italtrans Racing Team 0.766
3 Scott REDDING Marc VDS Racing Team 1.741
4 Pol ESPARGARO Tuenti HP 40 2.628
5 Dominique AEGERTER Technomag carXpert 2.708
6 Simone CORSI NGM Mobile Racing 8.528
7 Mika KALLIO Marc VDS Racing Team 8.892
8 Johann ZARCO Came Iodaracing Project 9.029
9 Xavier SIMEON Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 9.278
10 Jordi TORRES Aspar Team Moto2 10.754
11 Julian SIMON Italtrans Racing Team 11.298
12 Nicolas TEROL Aspar Team Moto2 13.003
13 Thomas LUTHI Interwetten Paddock Moto2 Racing 14.513
14 Alex DE ANGELIS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 14.64
15 Marcel SCHROTTER Maptaq SAG Zelos Team 15.745
16 Sandro CORTESE Dynavolt Intact GP 23.272
17 Anthony WEST QMMF Racing Team 27.312
18 Toni ELIAS Blusens Avintia 27.42
19 Ricard CARDUS NGM Mobile Forward Racing 31.798
20 Randy KRUMMENACHER Technomag carXpert 33.679
21 Mike DI MEGLIO JiR Moto2 34.229
22 Yuki TAKAHASHI IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia 35.68
23 Danny KENT Tech 3 43.281
24 Louis ROSSI Tech 3 50.783
25 James RISPOLI GP Tech 52.757
26 Mattia PASINI NGM Mobile Racing +1'00.878
27 Alberto MONCAYO Argiñano & Gines Racing +1'01.507
28 Steven ODENDAAL Argiñano & Gines Racing +1'13.906
29 Doni Tata PRADITA Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 +1'17.953
30 Thitipong WAROKORN Thai Honda PTT Gresini Moto2 +1'23.599
31 Rafid Topan SUCIPTO QMMF Racing Team 1 Lap
Not Classified
 Kyle SMITH Blusens Avintia 14 Laps
Not Starting
 Axel PONS Tuenti HP 40 0 Lap

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