These official IRTA tests at Losail got off to a rather bad start for the AGR team drivers since both tested the Qatari asphalt on the first day.
A strong fall during the first session for Marcel Schrotter who, after losing control of his motorcycle while riding on the synthetic grass in a left curve, got up with pain in his ankle and right leg.
Nevertheless, the German rider was able to get back on his bike for the last session and improve his time despite the discomfort of his bruises. He also took part in the trials the following two days and ultimately finished 13th overall, less than a second behind the best time held by Sam Lowes.
Axel Pons, from whom everyone was waiting for confirmation of his excellent tests in Jerez, also fell during the first day, but in the second session.
A fall on the go-around in a fast curve left the Spanish pilot lying on the ground with severe pain in his lower back. The circuit doctors advised him not to return to the track, whether the same day or the following two days.
The Spanish driver therefore finished his tests 26th out of 30, which is not so bad after all, after having driven only one and a half sessions instead of nine. He should have fully recovered his physical condition for the start of Grand Prix testing next Thursday.
