Rain returned to Mugello on Monday, slowing the first official post-race test of the year for the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes.
The majority of Moto2™ World Championship riders remained in Mugello for a one-day test alongside the Moto3™ World Championship. Unfortunately the day was hit by rain, which caused the likes of Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) to head home early.
The QMMF Racing Team was set to try a new shock and revised carbon swing arm, but the rain interpreted their plans. QMMF and Speed Up Racing both decided to call in a day before 14:00 Local Time.
Dunlop were eager for riders to lap in the wet in order to assess their new front rain tyre which was harder than the 2015 wet front. Fortunately conditions eventually improved and riders were able to run on slicks. Again Dunlop had tyres to test, bringing the ‘0’ tyre they used in Le Mans and Jerez to further assess the durability.
As conditions improved more teams were able to get through their workloads. Dynavolt Intact GP had a stiffer swing arm to try along with revised front forks. Forward Team were also trying new suspension for their suspension Öhlins.
With both their riders now having more experience, the Leopard Racing team again tested triple clamps first used during the Jerez pre-season test.
Several riders have had difficulties with the rear pushing the front tyre and Kalex brought along new head collars for riders to test. The part is designed to help find a better compromise between stability and turning and improve on the pushing sensation. Another issue Kalex were keen to work on was the adaptability of the bike as teams have often found it difficult to alter the bike as the temperature on track changes.
Rain bookended the Italian GP weekend for the Moto3™ World Championship, slowing action on Friday and testing on Monday. The lightweight class had their first official in-season test but little action took place before midday.
Sky Racing Team VR46 were one of the few teams who looked set to go out regardless of the conditions. Nicolo Bulega ventured out on track before midday but suffered a crash. Both his teammates Romano Fenati and Andrea Migno also went out in the morning, gaining valuable data should a wet race occur.
The Drive M7 SIC Racing Team also took advantage of the wet track time with both Adam Norrodin and Jakub Kornfeil circulating the Mugello circuit. Like Bulega, Kornfeil suffered a fall. Neither of the two were injured in their respective crashes.
As the track began to dry, more rider hit the track and the Aspar Mahindra Team Moto3 squad took the chance to test a new gearbox.
Khairul Idham Pawi (Honda Team Asia) did not run in the test, still hurting from his crash during Sunday’s race.
High winds in the afternoon made for a short test, many riders such as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) decided to not head out at all.
Round seven of the World Championship will take place in Barcelona at the Montmelo circuit, action beginning on the third of June.