Albert Arenas closes the Qatar test as the fastest KTM rider and with confidence in his race pace, while Nepa maintains the positive progression
The Moto3 category has concluded its preseason with the last of the six official test days. The general balance of the Qatar tests sees the Czech rider Filip Salac shining in first position, with a time of 2:04.892 achieved in yesterday’s last session. This mark allows him to finish half a second ahead of his competitors. Behind him, separated by just 76 thousandths, Ai Ogura, Tony Arbolino, Tatsuki Suzuki, Dennis Foggia and Gabri Rodrigo occupy the next five positions. The next time they are all on the track will be next weekend, in the Qatar Grand Prix that will open the 2020 season.
The Aspar Team has concluded the preseason with promising results, with Albert Arenas always in the top positions and as the best KTM rider in the three-day combined results, and with Stefano Nepa in full positive progression. Arenas has achieved his best time in the last session, after having completed several small race simulations in which his pace has been constant. The Spanish rider feels prepared for the first race of the season and will fight for everything in the Qatar Grand Prix. His teammate Stefano Nepa has not managed to improve the mark he set yesterday, but has focused on working to reach the first race of the season in the best possible conditions. For the Italian, it is the first time he will compete on the Qatari track, so the three days of testing have allowed him to get to know more his new KTM but also to prepare the opening race in the best way possible.
9th Albert Arenas 2:05.683 (+0.791, 105 laps): “Today was a key day, we have worked thinking about the race next week. We have ridden with used tyres, fine tuning the set-up, and we have obtained information that has helped us to improve the sensations. We are ready for the race. I am happy with the pace and in the time-attack, I felt strong because many riders have tried to follow me. Being the one who leads the group and not who is waiting for a tow motivates me a lot.”
25th Stefano Nepa 2:06.786 (+1.894, 126 laps): “In general it has been a pretty good test, although today it has costed us a little more due to the conditions and because we have not yet put the new engine. The most important thing was to fine tune the set-up: we know what works and what doesn't. In my last run I could not improve the time because many riders have gotten into my line, it has been somewhat uncomfortable for me and my teammate, who were already fighting for our fastest lap. Anyway, it was not the most important, because at the end of the tests those who come out stronger are the ones who have a better pace with the used tyres. During these days, I have been improving my pace riding alone and working fully focused on the race.”
Aspar Team
