Oncu: MV Agusta won’t have a chance, Sofuoglu to test both MV and Kawasaki

Former Moto3 race winner Can Oncu believes Kawasaki has a superior package relative to MV Agusta even though Niki Tuuli topped day-one of WorldSSP testing in Jerez. 

Oncu set a personal best of 1:43.240s, however, that was just shy of four tenths slower than Tuuli who set his best time late on. 

Despite the difference in lap time and the MV Agusta being particularly strong on corner exit, Oncu is not worried and instead thinks ‘they won’t have a chance against us’.  

Speaking after the opening day, Oncu said: "The MV Agusta pushes forward powerfully at the corner exit, we have to work on that. 

"But if we have everything in order, they won't have a chance against us, so I can see it easily.” 

"On Thursday we will see faster times, everyone will take a step forward. Two days ago it had rained and just before the test strong winds loaded a lot of dust onto the track. 

"On the second day of testing, the track will be in better condition and the times will be at least a second faster."

Tuuli was seen testing a new engine, clutch, gearbox and electronics for the Italian manufacturer who have both the F3 800 and F3 Superveloce machines homologated for WorldSSP use in 2022. 

Tuuli was aboard an F3 800 as was retired five-time Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu. 

The Turkish rider was deputising for protégé Bahattin Sofuoglu after the former WorldSSP300 rider tested positive for COVID-19. 

During today’s day-two, Sofuoglu will complete further laps with the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team before switching to Kawasaki machinery with Puccetti, thus joining another one of his young riders Oncu. 

"In the end I’m here for fun," said Sofuoglu. "I enjoy riding these bikes. Manuel [Puccetti] asked me to do some laps and test the new brake system because Kawasaki will have a new brake system next year. 

"They wanted me to test this so I will do some laps with the MV Agusta and some with Kawasaki."