Red Bull KTM rider Ajo set the fastest time during the first two days of action in 2017. Brad Binder is recovering from an injury to his left arm and was unable to participate.
02/09/2017 – Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Spain.
After a two-month break, the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia welcomed the new Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 project for testing this week. Miguel Oliveira was nevertheless the only one of the two riders returning to his KTM, as reigning Moto3 World Champion Brad Binder is still sidelined with an injury to his left arm. He was replaced by Ricky Cardus for the two-day test. Oliveira was the fastest driver, both on Wednesday and Thursday.
Strong gusts of wind and a precarious track surface at the start of the day made it difficult for the intermediate category drivers to return to work in Valencia. Oliveira, who set the best time in 1:37.162 on Wednesday, was able to take advantage of more favorable conditions on Thursday to lower his best times to 1:35.887. Rather than concentrating on attacking laps, the Portuguese sought to regain his sensations on the bike, and tried new settings. He completed a total of 129 laps during this test.
Binder will undergo another medical examination in two weeks, to assess whether he will be able to join Oliveira in testing at the Jerez Circuit later in the month.
Aki Ajo - Team Manager: “It was a shame that Brad Binder couldn't be here, after injuring his hand and undergoing two operations. His goal is to be back in time for the Jerez test. Once again, Miguel [Oliveira] demonstrated his professionalism, collecting a lot of useful data during these two days in Valencia with his new KTM Moto2. »
* 44 Miguel Oliveira: “We had two days of hard work and did a lot of laps, especially today, because the temperature was ideal for driving and there was a lot less wind than yesterday. We did a really good job and were able to test a lot of things, focusing on improving the rear of the bike. We didn't look for a fast time and instead made some preparations for the race with worn tires. The shock settings have changed, although this is something we had already taken into account. At Jerez, a very different circuit from this one, we will be able to try softer tires and will continue to work on the rear. We already have a lot of ideas in mind about what we want to test there. »
Paddock-GP translation
