TEAM KÖMMERLING GRESINI MOTO3 COMPLETES FIRST TEST OF 2019 AT VALENCIA
Team Kömmerling Gresini Moto3had a solid first test of 2019 at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit. In the two days of track action – which were blessed by spring-like temperatures and perfect weather conditions – the new standard bearers of Gresini Racing in the quarter-litre class of MotoGP, Gabriel Rodrigoand Riccardo Rossi, were able to get to grips for the first time with the 2019 version of the Honda NSF250RW.
While waiting to receive a new spec engine and gearbox, which are due to arrive for next week’s test at Jerez de la Frontera, the team turned their attention of the new chassis and ergonomics, and both riders were happy with the updates received.
This two-day test proved to be very important to shake off some rust after the winter break and get up to speed – especially on the longer run while using medium compound tyres. In Rodrigo’s case, it was more about continuing the adaptation to the Honda machine; Rossi, on the other hand, worked on gelling with his crew and getting used to the team’s way of working.
“In these two days of testing we worked a lot more on our pace than the single lap. Today we were a lot quicker than yesterday and I managed to improve my riding, especially on corner entry and hitting the brakes a little earlier. Overall it could have gone a lot better as there’s still a lot to improve, but I’m looking forward to the next test at Jerez.”
GABRIEL RODRIGO #19
“It’s been a very important test, especially today as we made a big step forward. We planned to match a specific race pace with used tyres and not only we succeeded, but we also improved it. The idea was to try and keep a good pace with end-of-the-race used tyres and we did it. We also managed to solve an issue on corner entry we had yesterday, so I’m leaving Valencia with good feelings; I cannot wait to get back on track at Jerez in a few days’ time, hoping the weather will be again on our side.”
