Jerez plays host to final MotoGP test of 2015
POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar riders test new electronics package that will be standard for all bikes next year
The factory Honda, Aprilia and Ducati MotoGP bikes were on track today alongside several of their counterparts from Superbikes (Kawasaki, Honda and Ducati) at the Jerez Circuit in Spain, venue of the final test of 2015 before the winter testing ban kicks in. The three-day session continues until Friday here and it is an important chance for the teams to gather vital data using the new standard electronics packages that will be compulsory from next season. With a new single tyre supplier also on board, the teams welcomed the good conditions today, with MotoGP riders opting not to run official timing transponders.
For the POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar Team this is an important test as they get to grips with the new electronics, using today simply to dial in some basic settings. It was a short opening day for Yonny Hernández and Eugene Laverty, both riders taking to the track shortly after 2pm and finishing just after 5pm. The pair took the chance to get a feel for the new electronics and learn more about the new tyres, with Laverty also continuing his adaptation to the Ducati. Despite not completing many laps, both riders are happy with the start they have made here at Jerez.
Yonny Hernández: “Today we got our first chance to run the new electronics and we focused on finding an initial setting. I like the new electronics more than the Open version. The base is quite similar to what I used last season. At the end of the day we had a problem with the exhaust and we couldn’t push that little bit harder but in general the feeling was very positive, even more so than Valencia. My feeling with the Michelin tyres is also improving every time I go out on track. I am happy with the initial work we have done here at Jerez, I think we are on the right lines and I hope we can continue to improve our pace and feeling tomorrow.”
Eugene Laverty: “Day one, we didn’t do many laps, just 26 to complete some preliminary work on the electronics for next year. We did a few exits and now we are happy that the electronics are ready to start the test properly tomorrow. We had to set the electronics so that simple things like corner entry and corner exit felt normal. From here we can really start to play with the bike and try to improve a lot. Still, my first impressions from the bike remain, which are that we have a good bike with a strong engine and a lot of potential. Tomorrow we start trying to maximise that potential.”