Here is the press release from the Swiss Innovative Investors KTM Moto2 team, which participated in the Mugello test with the MotoGP teams.
Ahead of the French Grand Prix, the SWISS INNOVATIVE INVESTORS KTM team was quick to get back to work by participating in two days of private testing on the Mugello circuit in Italy.
Despite heavy showers disrupting the first day, Sam Lowes was able to evaluate new parts to improve his feeling with the front end of his KTM. The Briton, who completed nearly 120 laps of the Tuscan track, set a best time just four tenths off his record set in 2015.
For its part, Iker Lecuona, author of an excellent start to the season, was just as diligent for his first time on the Italian circuit. Despite a minor fall on the second day, he said he was delighted with the progress made on his machine.
After two encouraging days of testing, the two riders from the SWISS INNOVATIVE INVESTORS KTM team head to Le Mans for the fifth event on the calendar at the Bugatti circuit.
Sam Lowes (1'51.9): “I'm really pleased with these tests and our pace. We evaluated many things and I am happy with what we accomplished. I am also delighted to have set a faster time than my pole position established in 2016 and to have driven regularly in 1'52 with a best time of 1'51. The team did a good job and I'm looking forward to Le Mans. »
Iker Lecuona (1'52.7): “For my first time on this track, I am happy with these tests. Our times are not that bad and we have been consistent. The team and I have worked a lot on the settings of the bike and we understand more about its behavior. I made a mistake, but I'm fine. We will continue to work like this at Le Mans. »
Matthew Grodecoeur (Chief mechanic) : “The track conditions proved to be quite difficult during these two days of testing. Sam and Iker nevertheless managed to complete almost 120 laps each. It was interesting to work on a circuit that was fundamentally different from the ones we've been to so far, with lots of changes of direction and fast curves. Sam worked with new parts to improve his feeling with the front. His pace was very fast on the first day, a tone above the other drivers present and as fast as the race last year. He finished with a best time, four tenths of his 2015 record. For Iker, we had no particular expectations; Mugello and Phillip Island are routes that adapt less to his style than the others on the calendar. He had also never driven on this route. Despite everything, he posted very interesting times compared to the others, even if he admits that these tests were trying and that he had to push his limits. Considering the first day and the times, we took advantage of the second to start evaluating new things with this bike. To conclude, we have a positive assessment of these tests, however I remain cautious for Le Mans as the configuration of the circuit is fundamentally different from that of Mugello. »
