MARC VDS COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL VALENCIA TEST DESPITE RAIN The Marc VDS Racing Team today concluded a successful three-day test at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia. Despite rain disrupting two of the three days, both Scott Redding and Mika Kallio were able to continue their familiarisation with the Kalex Moto2 machines they will both campaign in Marc VDS colours in 2012. Redding recorded the third fastest lap time on the opening day, which was also the first time the 18-year-old Briton had tested the Kalex Moto2 machine. With track conditions deteriorating on the second and third day of the test, Redding switched his focus to refining a wet set-up on the bike and addressing some minor clutch issues. Kallio, who has now been confirmed as staying with the Marc VDS Racing Team for 2012, was also extremely positive about his first full test aboard the Kalex Moto2 machine. The 29-year-old Finn set the seventh fastest time on the opening day, but improved his lap time by half a second on the third and final day, despite tricky track conditions. Redding will be attending the Motorcycle Live show at the Birmingham NEC on Saturday 19th and Monday 21st November, before heading to Jerez with Marc VDS teammate Kallio to complete three final days of testing before the test ban comes into force on 1st December. Scott Redding #45: 1’36.2 “I’m really happy with the Kalex bike. We changed very little during this test, basically I rode the bike as it was supplied, yet it felt good and the lap times on the first day came fairly easy. The bike is physically bigger, so I can get tucked in easier, and it turns in really well, which is a problem we’ve had in previous seasons. It’s already competitive, but I know we can improve things further once we really get to work on the set-up. Although the weather here has been a bit hit and miss, overall the three days have been extremely positive for us. Now it’s off to the NEC for Motorcycle Live, before heading back out to Spain for the final test of 2011 at Jerez. Mika Kallio #36: 1’37.1 “Overall the three days of testing with the new bike were very positive, although we were a little unlucky with the weather. The first day was dry, but the second was a washout. This morning conditions weren’t ideal either, as there were still damp patches on the track and there was little grip to be had after the rain. Even so, I managed to improve my lap time by half a second compared to the first day, before the rain returned and brought an early end to proceedings. It was a big improvement, a big step forward. I have a very positive feeling with the new Kalex bike. It was easy to ride and to find a good set-up. I’m looking forward to testing again next week at Jerez, where I hope we will be a little luckier with the weather.” Marc van der Straten: President, Marc VDS Racing Team “The team as a whole has worked extremely well during the 2011 season but, unfortunately, this wasn’t reflected in the results. Scott and Mika are both capable of winning races in Moto2, but it seems there was something missing from the equation this season. While Scott and Mika will both stay with the team next year, we have made some significant changes in the Marc VDS pit box for 2012. The biggest of these being a switch to Kalex machinery, which we believe is better suited to both our riders. Equally important is the level of support we receive from Kalex, as this is critical in such a closely contested championship as Moto2. After an extremely successful first test with the Kalex Moto2 bikes here in Valencia, I am confident that we have made the right decisions with both our rider line up and our choice of machinery. Already I am looking forward to a much stronger championship challenge in 2012.” More, from a press release issued by Italtrans/AGP Racing: Suter an Kalex for Italtrans riders at Valencia test Corti turns off the bike and switches on his Clio for the Monza Rally Three days of hard productive work, in Spain. Italtrans tested two different bikes Suter and Kalex. Suter is the machine used in the 2011 season, while Kalex has been tested to compare it. All riders used both bikes. Takaaki Nakagami has also tried out two different suspension Donerre and Ohlins. A reversed rear swingarm has also been used. While the testing duties are now completed, there is still a motor sport activity in the team’s near future Claudio Corti is to take part in the Monza Rally, and the complete squad will support him. Also his team-mate, Takaaki Nakagami, will attend the exercise, but not in a car: the consequences of a crash in the Japanese GP a fractured scapula are over, but after three hard working days some rest is needed. Claudio Corti (1’36″4) “Hard work, many new things to test. The bad weather robbed us precious time, but I’m pleased with the result we got, as we have been fast both on dry and wet. The test of the Kalex prototype has been very interesting, even if we had not the chance to push it to the very limit, as the test was carried out on a wet track”. Takaaki Nakagami: (1’37″5) “Bad weather meant that working according to the schedule in search of the best set-up was impossible. We concentrated on the rear that is the key testing several different solutions. Now, I’m going to be a tourist in Italy for a week, and a supporter for Claudio in Monza. Then, I’ll fly back to Japan, to return in Europe at the beginning of the new year”. Roberto Locatelli: “Pure fun. And very pleased, to be honest no previous experience with a 4 stroke racing bike, and I’ve not been doing things seriously on track for quite a while. Nevertheless, I am not too much slow, and still a rider, apparently. I found Moto2 interesting: there is strong commitment by designers to get better performances. I’ve competed always with 2-stroke machines, and I’m in love with them, but I must say that Moto2 is as good as it.” Claudio Macciotta (Technical Director) “We took care of every aspect, but concentrated mainly on the rear, testing the reverse fork that will be used in 2012. The Donerre suspension used by Takaaki is an evolution of the one we have used in the first part of the 2011 season. We collected from every single test useful information that we are going to study next”. Luigi Pansera (Team manager) “An interesting test, plenty of data with two different bikes Suter, our bike for the season, and a Kalex, totally new to us. Both excellent bikes our riders described Kalex as versatile, easy to ride, good grip. Next stop Monza and, after the Rally, the season holidays, to be back ready to work and fight next January”.