Anthony West on the pace at Jerez – Rookie Rafid Topan Sucipto improves steadily QMMF Racing Team rider Anthony West finished the last pre-season test in the Moto2 class on a high note. The 31-year-old Australian, who scored two podium finishes at the end of last year’s season, was consistently within the top group of riders in all the individual sessions. Even though he is ranked 16th on the combined standings over all three days at Jerez, he feels competitive and ready to battle for a good result at the season-opening race at Qatar on April 7th. Grand Prix rookie Rafid Topan Sucipto was also happy with his pre-season preparation, having improved his riding style and his lap times steadily over the total of nine days of testing. The 18-year-old from Jakarta, Indonesia, who confronts his first full Grand Prix season as Anthony West’s team-mate in QMMF Racing Team, went through several months of intense physical training and is fully prepared for his Moto2 challenge. Anthony West – 16. in 1.44,052 The first two tests in Valencia and Jerez were difficult, because we had a standard engine and everybody else seemed to have a lot more speed. To do good times was quite frustrating, we seemed off the pace and I was upset about that. We tried to concentrate on setting the bike up the best I could and we tried many different things. I think we went through the full range of every part and piece that we have, just to try everything. It was mentally difficult to ride a bike that is different every time you go out, but in the end I think it is going to pay off for the rest of the season. We know what works on the tracks we tested and we have ideas what should work on other tracks that we haven’t been on. For this final test in Jerez, we had the right engine and I was on the pace immediately. I felt strong the whole test compared with others. Every time I was with another rider, I could follow with no problems. So I think our race pace and consistency are really there. I still feel we are not 100 per cent right with the traction in the apex of the corner, this is still something we need to fix. We are not far away, but there is still something left that we need to find. Once we find that, we are going to be very strong. Still, I have been in the top ten every time I went out, which makes me confident for the races, since I am always faster in the races than in testing or in qualifying. It was a good test and I feel strong for the whole season. We have a good base to start and I am happy because we are the strongest Speed Up. I am excited for Qatar and I hope I can do a podium there. I am happy to continue with QMMF Racing Team, because it is the first year that I had the opportunity of proper testing and to start the year in a normal way. This is the best chance I had in all my years of racing. I am looking forward to the season!