BACK IN ACTION: TEAM KÖMMERLING GRESINI MOTO3 READY FOR BACK-TO BACK ROUNDS IN ANDALUSIA
129 days later, Team Kömmerling Gresini gathered together again for a day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera, for the long-awaited ‘opening day’ of the series. It was more a Free Practice 0 than a test, but it was very useful nevertheless for the Gresini Moto3 riders to get some confidence back aboard their Honda NSF250TW machines #2 and #52.
The down sides of today’s testing were – as expected – the heat, which in Rodrigo’s words was sweltering, and the obvious lack of pace after such a long break. This Wednesday of track action was therefore perfect in order to get back into rhythm with bike and tyres and to dive in this ‘post-Covid’ situation which shaped and changed motorcycle racing in terms of scenario and habits.
Both Gabriel Rodrigo and Jeremy Alcoba arrived at this event well prepared and charged up, with the official action for the Grand Prix getting underway from Friday. The ‘Circuito de Jerez’, which on paper suits better Rodrigo than Alcoba, will also hot the Andalusian Grand Prix next week, meaning a good start will be crucial for such an unusually short season like the one we are witnessing this year.
All eyes will be on the ‘opening’ free practice sessions of the season – which get underway on Frida at 9:00 GMT+2 – a surely welcome change in time of the day in light of today’s heat (especially in the afternoon’s session).
GABRIEL RODRIGO #2 (Test: pos. 8 – 1’46.935s – 21 laps)
“It was a useful day and I felt immediately comfortable on the bike and in the pit-box; in the morning session we did some longer runs in order to get bac into rhythm. The desire to be back on track was huge, we had a very long preparation and I got here fully motivated and ready. We were very fast in winter testing but now everything is different, especially due to the heat. Jerez is a track a I like, but the level of competition will be very high because all riders have practiced here a lot. We will need to adapt quickly and ride smart because there are many races in a short amount of time. I spoke a lot with the team during these months and they are even more eager than me to race, so I’d say we’re ready.”
JEREMY ALCOBA #52 (Test: pos.18 – 1’47.418s – 21 laps)
“We’re finally back and this is good because I couldn’t take it anymore. I trained a lot with my motocross bike and with smaller motorcycles, but the desire to jump on my Honda and to get back some speed and feeling was huge. It’s true that Jerez has never been one of my favourite tracks, but after winter testing both race pace and speed on the single lap shown have left a sweet taste in our mouths. Today we took it steadily: it was important not to make any mistake and I think it was a good day of testing. Fitness-wise I’m ready, I trained a lot and I think I’m also ready on the mental side of things… I’m so eager to race and do well that I hope I won’t exaggerate!”
