RODRIGO TOPS MOTO3 TEST AT JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA
Gabriel Rodrigo has completed an important two-day test at Jerez de la Frontera by topping the timesheets of Moto3 aboard his Kömmerling Gresini-liveried Honda NSF250RW machine. The Argentine rider – in a test blessed by perfect weather (20°C) and excellent track conditions – was able to complete around 100 laps with a best lap-time of 1’45.662secs.
It was a scintillating return to action for the #2, who lapped four tenths faster than on day one while beating the official lap record of the track (which himself set in 2019 in 1’45.745secs). This was a crucial test to confirm the positive feeling encountered in Valencia and to work on the suspensions set-up, but also on engine brake and electronics.
Very active on track was also Jeremy Alcoba.The young Catalan, who has never been fond of the Andalusian track, continued his adaptation with his Honda machine by completing 126 laps and setting a personal best time of 1’47.213secs, half a second quicker than yesterday’s. Two years ago – again on a Honda – the rider #52 managed to log a 1’46.8secs time. The goal was to match that speed, but there will be time to do so in the IRTA test which will wrap up the preseason.
GABRI RODRIGO #2 – 1’45.662 (100 LAPS)
“It was a very interesting test and I must say that we started off very well. I felt great on the bike and already yesterday we managed to complete our schedule, so that we had time to focus on setting changes and on a mini long run. Let’s say it was a good confirmation of what we tried in Valencia. We’re basically good with the set-up regarding suspensions, while at the same time we worked on engine braking and electronics, two areas where we feel we can make another step forward. Generally speaking, I’m very happy with how we started this preseason, now we wait for the IRTA test in which we’ll be able to have a comparison with the rest of the field.”
JEREMY ALCOBA #52 – 1’47.213 (126 LAPS)
“To be honest I’m struggling a bit in adapting to the Honda, even though I must admit I’m putting a lot more pressure on myself than needed. I must say that – aside from guys like Gabri, who knows the bike and currently is quicker – there are a lot of riders in my same situation and with a similar pace than mine. I must stay calmer, rely on the team and get some advice from Gabri. I never fully liked Jerez as a track, but we just have to keep working. The work has gone well, with the new tyre we managed to improve yesterday’s times, while on used tyres things went even better pace-wise.”
