Federal Oil Gresini Racing endure mixed Moto2 test in Portimao

Federal Oil Gresini Racing endured mixed results at the two-day test in Portimao ahead of the 2021 Moto2 season. 

Fabio Di Giannantonio completed around 80 laps and was one of the busiest riders on track. The same could not be said for team-mate Nicolo Bulega, who completed only four laps on the opening day after a false positive Covid test. 

While Di Giannatonio had a productive test overall finishing in the top six of the timesheets, the Italian believes the team needs to 'gel' together more. 

"It’s been hard these two days. We did a lot of work, as there were plenty of things to do and try. We need to gel together a bit better, but we’re improving each and every day," said the 22 year-old.

"We’re getting more competitive and that’s very positive. We’re still a bit far from the top, but I think the three days at Losail will be crucial also considering that in the last part of today we have found a direction with the setup that looks interesting. I’m charged up."

The test was also an important one for team-mate Bulega, who is looking to make another step forward in 2021. 

In the second part of last season, Bulega was showing more consistency particularly in qualifying, and scored his first top ten finishes in both Valencia rounds. 

With the competition in Moto2 getting stronger every year, every testing opportunity is crucial. Bulega spoke after the test saying:"Unfortunately for one reason or another I rode very little, so I have very little data.

"Its a shame because there was a lot of work to do and the level of the competition is extremely high, so we need to keep our heads down in Qatar and make up for the time lost."

As both riders eluded to, the Moto2 grid will have a further test in Qatar ahead of a double header at the Losail International Circuit to open the season beginning March 28.