With the cancellation of the Indianapolis GP, this trip to the other side of the Atlantic will therefore be the only one for our Black Knights. Before heading to Austin next week, Argentina welcomes the Zelos/Classic 21 drivers.
At Termas de Rio Hondo, Xavier will look to improve his basic set up. In the race at Losail, he showed that he had pace, but on new tires (and therefore in qualifying), there is still work to be done.
The surprise came in Qatar from Livio Loi: dominant in practice and efficient in qualifying, he took good points. In Argentina, on a circuit which is successful for him, he wants to confirm.
Xavier Siméon: “It’s up to me to adapt to the bike”
At the end of a 34-hour journey, Xavier Siméon arrived at Termas De Rio Hondo in Argentina for his 2nd GP of the season. In difficulty at Losail, the Zelos/Classic 21 driver will take advantage of the free practice sessions to improve the behavior of his machine.
In Qatar, he maintained a good race pace for many laps before being bothered by dribbling at the front.
The first meeting will be the qualifying session on Saturday where Xavier will try to be better placed on the grid.
Xavier Siméon – QMMF – Zelos/Classic21
Have you arrived in Argentina?
“Yes, but it’s quite a long trip. With the team, we had to take three planes, a bus and the car. I took the opportunity to sleep well between Madrid and Buenos Aires. I still tolerate jet lag quite well. This Wednesday, I took the opportunity to maintain my physical condition with three laps of the track. Compared to last year, the temperature is higher. It is around 31-32°C. It’s a change from Belgium! »
What did the team do this Wednesday?
“In addition to setting up the stand, the main work concerns the complete check-up of the machines. The motorcycles are dismantled and everything is checked. »
What lessons were learned after Losail?
“The weekend in Qatar was difficult and it was not easy to manage. We couldn't find the right balance in the settings. In turns, I lacked grip at the maximum angle. When we were correcting that, I was dribbling up front. I have to find the balance between these two settings. Here, I don't yet have the necessary speeds to be as efficient as I would like. It's up to me to adapt to the bike. The team is fully behind me and I approach this weekend with full confidence. The question remains how soon I will have the solution. My hope is that this goes as quickly as possible.
The reassuring point is that in Qatar I was able to see that there was not much missing to fight to be in front. I will give my best to get a good result.”
One of the keys to the weekend will be the result during the QP.
“In Moto2, 80% of the race is won during the qualifying session. I will have to try to be better placed on the grid.
This Argentinian tour suits you well. Last year, you had a very good start to the race.
“Yes, I was fighting for the podium until five laps from the end. On paper, this circuit does not seem very technical. But there are a lot of fast corners and I expect very close qualifying. I've always enjoyed riding here. »
Argentina exudes fervor and enthusiasm for motor sports.
“It’s a Grand Prix that particularly touches me. The village near the circuit is very poor, but we have extraordinary support from the population. They are passionate. We are welcomed like nowhere else, there is incredible popular fervor. This atmosphere recalls the great era of GPs and Moto Circus. It's impressive. »
The tests can be followed on RTBF Live, the race live this Sunday from 19:20 p.m. on Deux.
Livio Law to confirm
Revelation of the start of the season, Livio Loi was of exemplary consistency in Qatar. With the best lap in the race, the fastest lap in practice and a 2nd place in the QP, the Zelos/Classic 21 driver did not go unnoticed with his number 11.
Fourth in 2014 in Argentina, Livio particularly appreciates this route. Unlike other drivers, no team instructions are possible for him: in QP, he must fight alone against the clock and this worked out quite well for him at Losail.
Livio Loi – RW Racing GP/Zelos/Classic21
“After my good results in Qatar, this GP of Argentina will be one of confirmation. We were boosted by our start at Losail and we are going to get the most out of the machine this weekend. With Jarno (Janssen), we went to see our mental coach. I'm approaching this GP with full confidence, I've never felt so good. It's a very nice feeling. We talk a lot, we keep nothing between us and we both benefit from it, Jarno and I.
In the race, I will have a little revenge to take on fate. Even though I finished 8th, I was hoping for much better.
I feel that the other drivers no longer look at me the same way. I feel like they are trying to follow me. But I don't pay too much attention to it, I want to continue doing my race.
The atmosphere is excellent with the mechanics and our discussions are fruitful. We are a small family and that suits me perfectly.
This Argentinian circuit worked out quite well for me and I'm going back with great pleasure. I don't forget that in 2014, I finished just off the podium.
We left Amsterdam on Monday with my mechanic Hans. And we will only come back to Europe for Jerez. These two weeks will pass very quickly, I have no doubt. »
Source: Zelos press release
