The Red Bull KTM Ajo team carried out a private test this Monday at the Montmeló circuit, in Catalonia. The two pilots were thus able to familiarize themselves with the new layout of the circuit (modification of turn 13), and especially with the new asphalt, of which the MotoGP pilots have only said good things.
Miguel Oliveira et Brad Binder completed, respectively, 104 and 94 laps during this test day. They thus discovered the changes made on the circuit, and are both satisfied with them. Binder is unanimous: “I really like the new layout of the circuit as well as the new asphalt which seems much better than the one we knew”, and Olive tree confirms: « The new asphalt is not very bumpy and has good grip. They did a really good job in my opinion. »
The two riders also tried a new chassis and new suspensions that KTM had brought for the occasion, as well as Dunlop tires adapted to the new surface. Olive tree seems happy with the modifications made to his bike: “It was a very productive day. We almost exclusively worked with a rigid chassis setup. At midday we tested many things, such as new parts and chassis improvements. Then we switched to a more flexible configuration and it worked well: we were quite regular and had a good pace. »
To Binder, the results are also positive: “The test went pretty well, I was happy to ride. We have tried many things and drawn positive conclusions. Everything is so tight in Moto2 that every little improvement can be an advantage. »
For both, this test aims to improve the performance of the bike in order to be able to really perform in the next two races, as the Portuguese rider explained: “We have mainly focused on preparing for the Catalan Grand Prix, but I also think that we need to improve on circuits where we use soft tires and where there is a lot of grip, like at Le Mans. This day can be considered a reference for this type of circuit. »
For his part, the South African is full of confidence and hopes to finally be able to secure his first podium of the season at the next Grand Prix: “We worked hard and in the end it was a very positive test which really gives us confidence ahead of Mugello. I think we can have a great weekend. What we have tested here allows us to have better settings for the bike, and I am sure that this will help us, both in the next race and when we return to Catalonia. »
