MotoGP Le Mans Federal Oil Gresini Preview

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The Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 and Xavier Siméon head this weekend to the historic Le Mans circuit, in France, to compete in the fifth round of the 2014 Moto2 World Championship. After the excellent second place finish in Argentina and the good comeback ended with the seventh position at Jerez de la Frontera, Siméon aims to claim another good result on a track on which last year he took his first Moto2 podium, taking third place.

Furthermore, for the Belgian rider the French Grand Prix is also his ‘home’ race; many fans will attend the event to support him over the weekend: a further big motivation for Xavier, who wants to move up the overall standings, where he currently occupies the seventh position.

Fresh from a dislocated right shoulder following the Spanish Grand Prix fall, Lorenzo Baldassarri will try his maximum to collect his first points in Moto2 after an unlucky start to the season, in which he has not yet managed to convert into points the good performance shown so far.

Xavier Simeon

“We head to Le Mans with all we need to get a good result: the bike is working very well, I feel very comfortable with the team and in addition I like the track a lot. We are in great shape and we are in a charge, although of course we will have to keep an eye on the weather forecasts, which predict rain over the weekend. The goal is to fight for the top positions, so we’ll try to do a good job during practice in order to be prepared for the race. Last year I got my first podium in Moto2 in Le Mans: a good memory, to which I hope to add more”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri

“In these days, along with my physiotherapist, I did an excellent rehab work on my right shoulder, so I think I will be fully fit this weekend while riding. I just hope to have the necessary strength, because I had to rest the right arm for a few days. I like the track a lot, especially for the hard braking points, in fact last year I was able to set some good lap times also with the Moto3. We will begin the first practice with the set-up used during the the race in Jerez, then we will make some adjustments if necessary: we must still try to find more quickly a good set-up for the race”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Jerez Moto2 Day 2

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Aboard the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Suter, Xavier Siméon finished today the Qualifying session of the Spanish Grand Prix in 12th position with a best lap time of 1’43”615: a disappointing result, considering that the Belgian rider has always occupied one of the top four spots in all the previous practice sessions, but that doesn’t affect the team’s high expectations ahead of tomorrow’s race.

Siméon, who will start from the fourth row, will continue to work with the team to overcome the grip issues encountered this afternoon in the Spanish heat, with the goal of finding the speed he has always showed throughout the entire weekend, and therefore hoping for a comeback.

Lorenzo Baldassarri - Team Gresini Moto2 - will start from 20th position on the grid, his best qualifying result since he debuted in this category last March in Qatar. The young Italian was able to find a better set-up for his Suter, solving some grip problems he experienced yesterday.

Xavier Simeon (12th - 1'43"615)

“This morning in the third free practice session we were very fast, keeping a steady pace, and I thought that qualifying would have gone more or less in the same way. Due to the strong heat, however, the track has changed a lot and I struggled to find enough rear grip. We knew that the track conditions would get worse, like it happened yesterday, but we didn’t expect to struggle so much. We will therefore work and analyze all the data ahead of the race, with the aim to be more competitive in these conditions. Obviously this is not the position that we expected to get: having been always among the top four in all practice sessions, I was hoping for the first or second row”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (20th - 1'43"978)

“In the end our day was not so bad: now we are following the right path with the setting and the situation has improved. Obviously we're still missing something because we are a bit late, but I'm confident for the race: with a good set-up, in fact, despite the lack of grip, you can handle the bike in a better way when it starts to slide. Tomorrow morning we will continue to work in this direction”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Preview Jerez Moto2

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On the eve of the Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend at Jerez de la Frontera, the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 travels to the south of Spain in high spirits thanks to the amazing second place grabbed by Xavier Siméon in last weekend’s Grand Prix of Argentina.

The result achieved by the Belgian rider has indeed given a great boost of confidence to the team, which is preparing to face the first European event of the season with a very clear goal, that's to stay on top.

Also the Team Gresini Moto2 has good reasons to look to the next event with optimism: at the Andalusian track Lorenzo Baldassarri can in fact take advantage of the experience gathered during the winter tests.

Xavier Simeon 

“In Argentina we could finally turn into a good result the excellent work we have been doing since ghe beginning of the season: I’ve reached a very good relationship with the team and a good feeling with the bike, so now we can say that our level is really high, allowing us to be fast and to fight for the top positions everywhere. In Jerez we have already completed a good test during the winter, so we expect to confirm the good performance of the first three races”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri 

“I would have wanted to take a good result before heading to Jerez, however in Spain my determination will be the same, because I’m aware of my potential: in Argentina, in fact, without the engine oil leak my race could have been good. In addition, I like a lot the Jerez track and this winter we have been strong in testing, so we will definitely take advantage of some useful references”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Argentina Moto2 Race

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Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Xavier Siméon rode to a fantastic second place finish in today’s Grand Prix of Argentina, third round of the 2014 Moto2 World Championship. The Belgian rider, who started the race from the third position on the grid, immediately jumped into second place, behind Esteve Rabat, and managed to maintain that position for all the 23 laps of the race

After a third place finish last year at Le Mans, this second place represents Siméon’s best result ever in Moto2 to date: a performance that redeems the first two unlucky races of the season, where Xavier and the team had already shown great potential.

Aboard the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter, Lorenzo Baldassarri completed his first Moto2 race, although the young rookie - after a good first half of the race - slipped back in 28th position as a result of an oil leak from the engine ending up on his right foot, forcing him to make several mistakes.

Xavier Simeon (2nd)

“I had a good start, maybe the best ever, then I could make my own rhythm and I tried to follow Rabat, even if he was slightly faster than me. In the early stages of the race with the full tank, however, I didn’t want to stress too much the front tyre because I didn’t know if it would be good for the whole race. Anyway, I managed to maintain the second place also when Salom was close to me, then I was able to open a good gap of about 3 seconds. At that point I knew it would not have been possible to reach Rabat, so I managed to keep the concentration and brought home the result. I want to thank the team because he’s doing a great job; we could already be on the podium at Austin, but there I did a mistake, but finally here we had that bit of luck that we missed in the first two races. I am very happy, now we want to continue like this”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (28th)

“This morning, after the warm up, we made a change to the bike set-up for which has not been positive, because already in the first few laps of the race the rear tyre was sliding a lot. In addition, I got off the line at the start really bad, and after that, trying to recover, I went wide three or four times, due to an engine oil leak that made me slip my right foot from the footpeg and from the rear brake lever. Everytime I lost a lot of time to get back on track, because it was very dirty off the line. I then went wide another last time, at the first corner, and at that point my race was basically over. I tried my best to the end, but I was really too far from the points”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Preview Argentina Moto2

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After having been in the lead for most of the Grand Prix of the Americas, Xavier Siméon and the team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 arrive in Argentina determined to turn into a great result the great potential showed so far.

The third round of the season will be held this weekend on the new Termas de Rio Hondo circuit, which debuts this year in the Moto2 World Championship calendar. All riders - except Esteve Rabat and Nico Terol, who have spent there two days of testing last July - will deal with an unknown layout, with plenty of fast corners.

Just like Siméon, also Baldassari - Team Gresini Moto2 - despite having put on display excellent performance, is unfortunately still at zero points in the standings , after two falls in the first two Grands Prix of the year. The goal of the young Italian remains therefore to conclude his first Moto2 race and thus collect his first points, a goal within his reach.

Xavier Simeon

“I've seen some pictures of the circuit, and at first glance Termas de Rio Hondo seems a pretty fast track, although of course at this time is difficult to get a precise idea. It’s always exciting to discover how the bike works on a new track, so I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle. We will start the first free practice session with the necessary calm, but our goal remains clear: in Texas we have been in the lead for many laps, so here we will try to stay again among the fastest riders in order to get a good result. I think that even on a new circuit the values will remain more or less the same”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri

“In Argentina we will all start from scratch and for me this thing is positive: in the first stages of the weekend we will have a more levelled situation compared to the other races. I really want to bounce back after these first two races, which ended badly, so I'm looking forward to discover if I can be fast also on this track. The work carried out during the practice in Austin has been very fruitful: it’s been hard, but after two difficult days we were able to solve our set-up problems in time for the race. An experience that will definitely be useful for this Grand Prix and for the rest of the season”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Austin Moto2 Race

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Xavier Simeon and the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 leave Texas without collecting points: after leading most of the race, the Belgian rider has in fact been forced to retire after a crash during the 16th lap, while he was fighting for the third position.

Siméon mantained the lead until the 12th lap, when he did a mistake caused by the same gearbox problems he experienced during practice and qualifying, dropping to fifth. He then passed Mika Kallio and with just two laps to go, Xavier was targeting the podium, when he unfortunately lost the front at turn 19.

The disappointment was strong also in the Team Gresini Moto2 garage: Lorenzo Baldassarri, who had finally solved the set-up problems found during practice he was recovering several positions in the early stages of the race, before crashing as he lost the front at the penultimate corner of the fourth lap.

Xavier Simeon (DNF)

“I'm really sorry for the team, which is doing a great job: it’s the first time that I stay in the lead for so long and today we obvoiusly could get on the podium. In the early stages I managed to keep a good pace, although I continued to have some problems with the gearbox, struggling to engage first gear. I made a first mistake because of this problem, then I found myself in fifth position but I was able to recover: I overtook Kallio and I was catching Aegerter. At that moment, my goal was clearly the podium, when at a certain point, on turn 19, I lost the front. It’s really reassuring to be so competitive, although it is clear that the most important thing is making points and so far unfortunately we didn’t do it”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (DNF)

“I got off the line well, but then at the first corner a few riders crashed in front of me and I lost time: I felt good on the bike and I wanted to recover, but maybe I wanted to do it too quickly. I was catching the group of riders in front of me when, at the penultimate corner, while I was on the white line on the outside, I lost the front as soon as I touched the brakes. Too bad, because we had finally found the solution to ride well even on tight corners and I was faster than in qualifying”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Rreview Austin Moto2 day 2

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On the qualifying day of the Grand Prix of the Americas Xavier Siméon confirmed the serious speed shown during all the free practice sessions conquering the fourth place with a best time of 2’10”666.

Tomorrow, the Belgian rider will therefore start from the beginning of the second row aboard the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Suter, although it remains a bit of disappointment for having missed the first row, a goal within reach of the team, missed due to a gearbox problem that forced Xavier to a mistake in his last attempt.

After a fall in the third free practice session earlier this morning, and after making several set-up adjustments on the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter, looking for an improvement under tight corners areas, Lorenzo Baldassarri ended the qualifying session with the 24th fastest time, 2’12”363.

Xavier Simeon (4th - 2'10"666)

“I am very happy with the result, but also a bit disappointed because I really would like to be on the front row, a goal that today was within our reach. Unfortunately we had several problems with the gearbox: in this track we use a lot the first gear and in this situation often the gearbox engages the neutral. It happened also in qualifying, during my last attempt, in which I was lowering my best time: the gearbox engaged neutral and I did a mistake. Apart from this, we are happy because we are competitive and tomorrow we can fight for the top positions”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (24th - 2'12"363)

“Today we wanted to try some set-up adjustments to the bike because we wanted to be faster: we are following the right direction, but I need to get used to the behaviour of the bike especially with regard to engine brake. It’s a pity, because in some parts of the track I’m actually really fast, but I lose a lot of ground in tight corners. In any case, we will continue to work in the warm-up to try to improve, and after that I will give my best in the race”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Preview Austin Moto2

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The Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 is looking forward to the second round of the 2014 Moto2 World Championship, taking place this weekend on the demanding Circuit of the Americas, located on the outskirts of Austin, Texas: after the unfortunate Grand Prix of Qatar, which saw Xavier Siméon struck by another rider only a few corners after the start, the team is determined to turn into a good result the speed showed at Losail by the Belgian rider.

Lorenzo Baldassarri, Team Gresini Moto2, can’t wait to get back in the saddle of his Suter machine to try to confirm the good sensations obtained during his tremendous debut, unfortunately ended with a crash on the last lap while he was in twelfth place.

On a circuit that runs on anti-clockwise direction, different to the majority of tracks, it will be important to achieve the right balance between agility and stability under braking: both riders, along with the technical staff, will therefore work on the set-up looking for the best compromise.

Xavier Simeon 

“We have been really unlucky in Qatar, but we don’t want to continue to think about it: we know that we are competitive and we know we can fight for a good result, even though we still need a small step to stay at the top. The track in Austin is very nice and actually packs every type of corner: a situation undoubtedly very different from that encountered at Losail, so the first thing we will do is to check if our base set-up works well there”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri 

“In Qatar unfortunately everything finished on the last lap, when we were very close to achieve a good placement, therefore in Texas we want to make up with a strong result. However, during my first race in Moto2 I learned a lot, so now the goal is to try to do even better. The Austin track is very special: last year, riding the Moto3, I immediately loved it: it’s a nice mix of fast parts and slow corners. With the Moto2 I really like riding through fast sections and quick changes of direction, but from the start of the winter tests to date I have improved a lot my riding style with regard to the slow parts, so I think I will adapt myself well to the track”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Race Review Losail Moto2

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The Grand Prix of Qatar finished earlier than expected for Xavier Simeon and the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2: the Belgian rider, protagonist up to that moment of a very positive weekend, has in fact been involved in a crash after another rider collided with him just off the start. Siméon was then back on track and finished the race in 25th position. A real shame for the whole team, who had worked well during all practice and expected to be able to stay with the leading group.

The bad luck has hit also the rookie Lorenzo Baldassarri, who delivered an outstanding performance aboard the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter: the 17-year-old Italian was in fact in 12thposition on the last lap when, in an attempt to overtake Ricard Cardus, the latter closed the line hitting the front wheel of Lorenzo’s bike, causing him to fall.

Xavier Simeon (25th)

"I'm very sorry, because they ruined us a great weekend. I don’t know who hit me from behind, however I was doing the first lap quietly, while it seemed that other riders were already fighting for the world title at the last lap. I think that they would take a little more calm. I'm sorry for the team because they worked very well and when I re-joined the race I managed to keep a good pace and I felt at ease with the bike. Too bad, we could have done a really nice result. Now we will try to forget this race as soon as possible and focus on the next race”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (DNF)

“My start was not so good, but in the early laps I was able to regain positions and then I started to run at a good pace, also improving the trajectories with respect to the practice. In the end I managed to catch the group of riders in front of me and at that point I tried to gain another position; On the last lap I tried to overtake Cardus, who closed his line in the middle of the corner, hitting my front wheel and making me fall. It's a shame, but I am convinced that we can succeed soon”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Losail Moto2 Day 3

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Aboard the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Suter, Xavier Siméon has successfully completed the first qualifying session of the season with the seventh fastest time in 2’01”696, narrowly missing the second row of the grid for a few thousandths of a second. In a very fought session, which saw the 13 fastest riders all within a second, the Belgian rider has shown once again a great rhythm, similar to the rider that tomorrow will start immediately in front of him on the grid.

Lorenzo Baldassarri will take part in his first Moto2 Grand Prix starting from 23rd position on the grid: a promising performance for the Italian rookie, with a gap of only 1”3 from pole position despite a mistake in his fastest lap aboard the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter.

Xavier Simeon (7th - 2'00"696)

“It's been a positive qualifying, although frankly I would have liked to stay in the first two rows, but we missed it for a few tenths. Today it was important to be able to take slipstreams over the long straight, but I haven’t had an opportunity to do it and we know how one or two tenths of a second make a big difference in this category. However, we have a good pace for the race: we did a good job with the bike, making very few changes from winter testing, which means that the base is very good. Tomorrow we will push to fight for the top positions”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (23rd - 2'01"431)

“All in all it’s been a positive qualifying, although today I missed a bit of consistency. In fact, during my fastest lap I went a little wide, losing some precious time. Otherwise, I could have been able to get a lower lap time, but that's okay”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Losail Moto2 Day 2

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The second night of the Qatar Grand Prix has seen Moto2 riders back on track for only one free practice session, the third and last before qualifying, scheduled for tomorrow from 6:55 to 7:40 PM local time.

Aboard the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Suter machine, Xavier Simeon has carried out important work to limit tyre wear ahead of Sunday’s race, trying various chassis set-up solutions. The experienced Belgian rider, like many others, he could not improve his best lap time from yesterday, closing the combined classification of the three sessions in 11th position, but he remains confident ahead of qualifying, convinced to have a good potential.

Rookie Lorenzo Baldassarri, riding the Team Gresini Moto2  Suter, has paid today a little inexperience, trying uselessly to follow other riders on the track. The Italian therefore lost some precious time and failed to progress from yesterday, remaining stationary at 2’01”745 (21st).

Xavier Simeon (11th - 2'01"101)

“Today we had only one practice session available, but we still managed to try several chassis set-up solutions looking for a better balance. The feeling with the bike is good, but unfortunately these changes have not resulted in improvements, even though they have enabled us to understand some important aspects that were not clear, so we are confident that we can improve tomorrow. If we take a small step forward, tomorrow we can be protagonists also in qualifying”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (21st - 2'01"745)

“I’m not satisfied about the job I did today: at the beginning I tried a tyre which was not good for me, losing some time, then with a new tyre I tried to follow other riders on the track in order to learn better the track. A choice that has not paid off and that made me lose the right way. Tomorrow we will resume work from where we left off yesterday”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Losail Moto2 Day 1

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The Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team has started today the long season of the 2014 Moto2 World Championship with the first two free practice sessions at night at the Losail circuit in Qatar. After the excellent results obtained in winter testing , Xavier Siméon was immediately back to work with his mind already focused on the race, in an attempt to improve the durability of the tyres over the long distance. At the end of the evening the Belgian was  11th in the combined classification.

Aboard the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter, Lorenzo Baldassarri has officially debuted in the middle class of the World Championship, taking advantage of the first two practice sessions in the best way for a rookie: the young Italian remained calm in the first session, trying to take the first references on this track with a more powerful bike than the Moto3, while in the second session he began to lower gradually his lap times, closing the evening with the 20th time in 2’01”745.

Xavie Simeon (11th - 2'01"101)

“Regardless of the position in the classification, we are not so far from the top and especially today we have already tried a long run of 13 laps in which we were able to keep a good pace. In fact, we are focusing a lot on tyre wear because we want to try to improve tyre performance over race distance, given that we have had some problems from this point of view. The feeling with the bike is very good, so I'm not worried at all: tomorrow we will continue to work for the race and focus on tyres life again”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (20th - 2'01"745)

“Today’s first two practice sessions were positive, I spent a lot of time to take the first references on a track that I had never rode with a Moto2 bike. At the beginning it was definitely not easy, because compared to the Moto3 class, the situation changes a lot, so I starded with calm the first session, while in the next one I tried to push a little more, and I improved my times. For the rest, we focused on tyre wear because we need more rear grip over the long distance”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Preview Losail Moto2

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This weekend the fiercely competitive Moto2 class kicks off its fifth year as the intermediate category of the World Championship, with a 35-rider field set to make the 2014 season another closely-fought contest. After the good consistency showed at the final pre-season test in Jerez, Xavier Siméon heads to Qatar determined to get his 2014 campaign off to a flying start aboard the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Suter machine.

On the other side of the garage, Moto2 newcomer Lorenzo Baldassarri - Team Gresini Moto2 - will try to repeat the strong performance showed during winter testing; however, the main goal for the young Italian rider under Losail floodlights is to keep calm in order to avoid mistakes and to continue his apprenticeship, without thinking too much at results.

The first Grand Prix of the season is the only race weekend that stretches over four days, with FP1 beginning on Thursday evening, FP2 and FP3 on Friday evening, Qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday night at 20h20 local time.

Xavier Simeon

“Every year, beginning a new challenge is always exciting, and lining up on the starting grid for the first race of the season always gives a great adrenaline rush. Considering the good results we have obtained during winter testing, our goal is to try to fight for first positions: the important thing  will be to work well throughout free practice, just as we have done during pre-season, and then we'll see how it goes in the race. I really like the Losail circuit, whilst racing at night does not give me a special feeling; what is certain is that it doesn’t annoy me, so I will try my best, as always!”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri

“We head to Qatar with great confidence: winter testing went very well, even better than expected, so the feeling is that we can have our say. Obviously, since I’m only at my first race in Moto2, it will be important trying to maintain a proper approarch, working well during free practice. However, if we look at what we were able to do during the winter, we believe that we can be fast, even though I don’t want to make predictions. After all this is a debut for me: I’ve never rode a Moto2 bike at Losail International Circuit, so I’ll need to learn how to ride quickly. However, I like this track, so I hope that this can help me”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Gresini Review Jerez Moto2 Test Day 3

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The long pre-season testing period came to a close today for the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2: in the last day of the official IRTA Test at Jerez, Xavier Siméon scored a stunning fourth fastest time with 1’42”556, just three tenths of a second off the best lap time of the three-day gathering. After the good consistency showed yesterday over full race distance, today the Belgian rider proved to be really competitive also on a single lap, as a further demonstration of the excellent work done with the team.

Aboard the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter machine, Lorenzo Baldassari closed his amazing apprenticeship lowering once again his lap times, finishing the three-day test with the seventh overall performance, 1’42”639, making him once again the fastest Italian rider on track. The 17-year-old rookie is therefore ready for his first race in Moto2, a category that seemed to suit his physical and riding style characteristics from the very beginning.

Xavier Simeon (1'42"556 - 47 LAPS)

“We finished the pre-season in an extremely positive way! Today we were able to take a further step forward, but it could not be otherwise, because we knew from yesterday that we were starting from a good base. Apart from the excellent lap time, just a few tenths off the pace, now we are aware that our potential is very high, so we are confident ahead of the first Grand Prix. We haven’t started winter testing in the best way, with the untimely Almeria crash, which slowed our working program, but later on we were able to improve constantly. Now I feel very comfortable with the bike, and the atmosphere inside the garage is wonderful”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (1'42"639 - 50 LAPS)

“I am very satisfied with the work done during the winter: I could adapt well to this category and I have reached a good level of competitiveness, so I look forward to my Moto2 debut with great confidence. The feeling with the bike is good and we were fast also today, therefore I’m convinced that in Qatar we can do very well, although I don’t want to make predictions”.

Gresini Press Release

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Gresini Review Jerez Moto2 Test Day 2

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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

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Gresini Review Jerez Moto2 Test Day 1

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About twenty days after the last test carried out at Jerez, the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 was back in action today at the Andalusian circuit for the final pre-season testing session before leaving for Qatar, where is scheduled later this month the Grand Prix of the 2014 Moto2 World Championship.

In the first of three days of testing scheduled at Jerez Xavier Siméon completed no less than 69 laps, performing various set-up adjustments on his Suter MMX2 : the Belgian rider unfortunately did not manage to find a good compromise that would ensure him a good level of grip at the rear and at the same time a good front end feeling. After a great start in the first morning session, Xavier was therefore not able to improve his pace, setting a best time of 1’43”704.

In the Team Gresini Moto2’s garage the first day of testing has been incredibly positive, with Lorenzo Baldassarri that was has already able to run at a very good pace, already getting close to the lap times obtained at the end of the previous test in Jerez, putting himself in seventh place overall, and fastest Italian rider on today’s combined classification. The young rookie, who will try tomorrow his first race simulation onboard a Moto2 machine, completed a total of 62 laps, the quickest  in 1’43”299.

Xavier Simeon (1'43"704 - 69 LAPS)

“This first day of testing started very well, because we were immediately quite fast, but in the afternoon, despite several changes to the bike, we were no longer able to improve our lap time, so I'm not completely satisfied: we've probably done something wrong , losing a bit of front end feeling looking for more edge grip at the rear. Tomorrow we will take a step back and we will continue to work to try and improve”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (1'43"299 - 62 LAPS)

“I'm really happy! Today, despite windy conditions, I was able to approach the lap times I had obtained at the end of the previous test here at Jerez in late February. Moreover, today I’ve often used worn tyres, in order to get used to these conditions, and tomorrow we will deepen even further this aspect: in fact, we are planning a first race simulation, to assess the tyre wear over full race distance”.

Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Jerez Moto2 Test

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The Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 and Xavier Siméon completed today a successful three days of testing at the Jerez circuit: despite the injury he suffered in early February in Almeria, which forced him to miss the previous two test sessions, the Belgian rider recovered quickly, hitting the top ten with the ninth fastest time overall over the three days - 1'42 "925 - with a very small gap from the top.

Siméon also showed a good race pace, an equally positive aspect ahead of the first Grand Prix of the season, scheduled in just over a month.

Aboard the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter machine, Lorenzo Baldassarri was also surprisingly fast during all the tests carried out during the month of February on Spanish soil; today, in particular, the young Italian signed the eighth fastest time in 1’42”923, making him the second quickest Moto2 rookie on the track, behind Sam Lowes, as well as the fastest among the debutants coming from Moto3.

The last meeting in preparation for the 2014 season is always scheduled at Jerez, from 11th to 13th of March, for a further three days of testing.

Xavier Simeon (1'42"925 - 68 LAPS)

“Today we made a big step forward: apart from the good lap time, I was able to keep a good pace, constantly lapping near the 1’43” mark, and this is important for race distance. The satisfaction is great because this was my first real test of the year and it’s nice to be already in the top ten; the team worked very well, yesterday we struggled a bit, but today the situation was a lot better”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (1'42"923 - 51 LAPS)

“I'm very happy, I honestly didn’t expect to be able to stay already in the top ten, it's a nice surprise! We worked well during all tests: in Almeria, Valencia and also here in Jerez we were able to improve more and more, calmly and step by step. Today we wanted to do a race simulation but we were not able to do it: after three consecutive days of testing I was a little tired. Now let's look at the last test, scheduled in March, where we will try to find more grip, which we still lack a bit, especially when the tyres start to wear out”.

Federal Oil Gresini Press Release

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Federal Oil Gresini Review Moto2 Jerez Test Day 2

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The Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 and Xavier Siméon continued today at Jerez Circuit  their work in preparation for the 2014 season: after missing Almeria and Valencia testing sessions, Simeon was back in action only yesterday, and completed almost 100 laps today, finding at the end of the day a good set-up of his 2014 Suter. 1’43”387 his best lap of the day, which lowers by almost a second the lap time obtained yesterday.

As happened in the previous tests on Spanish soil, even in Jerez Lorenzo Baldassarri continued to show a steady improvement: the Italian, 56 laps for him today, set a great 1’43”598, making him one of the fastest Moto2 “rookies” on track.

Action will resume tomorrow for the third and final day of testing at the Andalusian track.

Xavier Simeon (1'43"387 - 95 LAPS)

“It’s been a very useful day of testing, because we found a good set-up from which to start tomorrow. Unfortunately, at the beginning my feeling during acceleration was bad and my lap times were always the same, either with new tyre or used. But then, working on the rear, we found more grip and the situation at the end of the day improved, and as a result even lap times dropped a bit. We can certainly do better, and tomorrow we'll try to do it!”.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (1'43"598 - 56 LAPS)

“I’m very satisfied, mainly because I was able to run at a good pace even when I was alone on the track, without other riders in front of me. Today I can say that we have taken another step forward: my riding style is now more profitable in both corner entry and acceleration. In the afternoon I did only a few laps trying not to fatigue myself: in fact we are planning a race simulation for tomorrow”.

Fausto Gresini

“Siméon in this second day began to ride at a good pace: we must not forget that he missed the first two tests of 2014, therefore he needs to close a certain gap from his rivals, but he’s catching up in the right way and we are convinced that tomorrow he will improve again his lap times. I am also very pleased with the growth of Baldassarri, who has been able to consistently set good lap times for a rookie. We need positive days like this one: the important thing now is to continue in this direction”.

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Gresini Racing Review Moto2 Valencia Test Day 3

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The Team Gresini Moto2 and Lorenzo Baldassarri ended today the official Moto2 test at Valencia: over the three days spent at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo the young  Italian Moto2 rookie was able to complete a total of over 200 laps, constantly lowering his lap times and taking a very important step forward in understanding the Suter machine he will use in the forthcoming season. At the end of the test Baldassarri  resulted 23rd among the 31 riders testing on track, with a best time of 1’36”926.

The next meeting is now scheduled for February 18th at Jerez, for another three days of testing: in addition to Baldassarri, next week Xavier Siméon will also be back on track aboard the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Suter.

Lorenzo Baldassarro (1'36"926 - 66 LAPS)

“Like in the first two days, the work we did today was crucial to understand the behavior of the bike: doing many laps is so important because at every session I can understand some more aspects in which I can improve. The next tests are scheduled in Jerez, a track where last November I have already had the opportunity to try the Moto2: I will have more references and therefore it will be interesting to see what level I reached. It’s an excellent opportunity to continue the great work that we are doing”.

Fabrizio Cecchini (Technical Coordinator)

“Baldassarri is showing a steady improvement, working without pressure, and his performances over the three days in Valencia proves it. Lorenzo is very good at giving to the technicians useful information with regard to his feelings on the bike, a quality that is unusual for a boy that is just 17: for this reason I am convinced that in the next test we can make a further improvement”.

Gresini Racing Press Release

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Go&Fun Honda Gresini Review Moto2 Valencia Test Day 2

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The second day of the official Moto2 test at Valencia saw Lorenzo Baldassari putting in a lot of kilometers riding the Team Gresini Moto2 Suter machine. The Italian completed a total of 87 laps of the Ricardo Tormo circuit, thus accumulating a significant amount of experience ahead of his first Grand Prix in the intermediate class of the World Championship, scheduled in Qatar next March 23rd.

Baldassari continued his apprenticeship with meticulousness, without focusing too much on lap times, even though he was able to improve his time from yesterday by over a second, signing a good 1’37”819.

The Team Gresini Moto2 will be back on track tomorrow for the third and final day of testing at the Ricardo Tormo circuit.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (1'37"819 - 87 LAPS)

“I'm satisfied because making so many laps is crucial for me to understand how to ride this bike: in some ways I’m still riding with a style more suitable for Moto3, where it’s important cornering speed. Today I learned a lot, also watching the other riders: I am aware that the road is still very long, but I have to keep going like this if I want to improve”.

Fabrizio Cecchini (Technical Coordinator)

“Today Baldassarri made a strong effort to accumulate a lot of experience and the fact that he has completed nearly 90 laps proves it. The goal was to make many kilometers, without pushing too hard, trying also to understand what the most experienced riders were doing on track. As further proof of his great determination, Lorenzo also went on the trackside to study the lines of the other riders in some parts of the track where he did not feel at ease. He is learning the right way, tomorrow we want to continue in this direction”.

Honda Gresini Press Release

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