Johann Zarco continues preparations for 2016 Moto2 season

02/03/2016

Ajo Motorsport rider takes sixth fastest time on first day of Moto2 Official Test at Jerez Circuit.

Zarco, <a href=

try Jerez Moto2 test March 2016″ width=”300″ height=”200″ /> Zarco, prescription Jerez Moto2 test March 2016

After conducting private tests at Valencia and Jerez, Johann Zarco undertook the first of six Official Test days -Spain and Qatar- this Wednesday at the Jerez Circuit. Before the start of the season, the reigning World Champion in the Moto2 class will ride during three days in Southern Spain, then move on to Qatar. Today was the first time the riders on the 2016 grid were able to compare their lap times, and Zarco set his best lap of 1:42.952 in the second hour of testing, a time that earned him sixth position on the combined timesheet.

Two weeks ago, the Frenchman left Jerez aware that he could have been faster onboard his new Kalex under better conditions. That feeling was proved correct on Wednesday, thanks to a much cleaner track with pleasant temperatures and little wind. Together with his team, the Ajo Motorsport rider started from the setup found at the last private test at Valencia, and modified the configurations of his chassis, shock absorbers and electronics. Over the course of a total of 77 laps Zarco focused on finding rear grip.

Today was also the first day that the Ajo Motorsport Kalex for 2016 was decked out in its new colours for the season. Testing at the Spanish circuit continues tomorrow and Friday.

Johann Zarco,
“The riding conditions today were very different to the last time we were here. Today the track was perfect for riding at a good pace, and it was important to do that for the first time with the 2016 grid. Being able to compare times allows us to work better and helps motivate us to know where we are overall. We are in a period of the year in which the important thing is to continue working to understand the new bike, and get as prepared as possible for Qatar. Today we worked a lot on the rear grip. I did not go as fast as I would have liked, but we were up there with the fastest riders so we we must continue to evolve.”

Results – Combined Standings Day 1
1. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 1:42.271
2. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:42.389 +0.118
3. Takaaki Nakagami (Kalex) 1:42.507 +0.236
4. Alex Rins (Kalex) 1:42.692 +0.421
5. Axel Pons (Kalex) 1:42.850 +0.579
6. Johann Zarco (Kalex) 1:42.952 +0.681

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