Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team complete two-day test with Remy Gardner quickest
With less than a month remaining before the Moto2 season begins, testing opportunities are at a premium for teams and riders.
For the Red Bull KTM Ajo team, 2020 sees an all-new line-up of Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez who makes the move-up from Moto3 into the intermediate class.
The test saw the team share track action with a number of other Moto2 teams including SKY VR46 and Federal Oil Gresini Racing. Gardner picked up where he left-off in 2020 by setting the fastest lap of the test.
The Australian clocked a quickest lap of 1:42,9s - less than half a second slower than the pole position time he set at the Portuguese round last year.
After the test, Gardner gave his thoughts saying: "After these two days of testing, I feel much more comfortable on the bike.
"This test helped us to get to know each other better and gain more confidence - both within the team and with the bike. Overall, I am happy with the work we did.
"We tried out several things and I am impressed with how some elements we tested have worked, which is very positive. We obtained important information that will help us approach the start of the season. I'm looking forward to making progress in Qatar in two weeks."
For Fernandez, the test was more about adapting to his Moto2 bike. On the second day, the Spaniard and his team began an extensive programme which saw him complete 57 laps.
After a lengthy period without being on track following the 2020 season, Fernandez was just happy to be back in action: “The test was quite positive. After 3 months without riding the bike, I felt good.
"We used the first day to adapt to Moto2, since first of all it was necessary to get familiar with the bike. On Wednesday, we started trying out several things that helped us to understand it a little better.
"I suffered a small crash, but the mechanics did a great job of repairing the bike and we were able to make the most of the afternoon. These two days have given us some very positive conclusions that will help us to arrive in Qatar prepared.
"I am very happy with the crew that I have and I feel very comfortable working with them. They give me a lot of peace of mind, which is what I need the most, and have a lot of experience. I give the test an 8/10. Now it's time to keep working to gain experience and feeling, so that we can take further steps forward and progress."
