Maverick Viñales and Julián Simón among the best riders in their respective class at the Valencia tests Avintia Racing riders Maverick Viñales y Julián Simón obtained what can be called very positive results at the pre-season training practices held at the circuit of Ricardo Tormo over the last three days. In spite of very low track temperatures – especially on the first day – both Maverick Viñales and Julián Simón managed to complete their test schedule for these training practices which they dedicated to going ahead with the set-up of their respective bike so they can improve their performance in Jerez where the second pre-season IRTA tests will be held. Viñales’s technicians mainly focused on trying different options on the propellant whereas Julián’s concentrated their efforts on the cycle side so the Villacañas-born rider can feel more comfortable on his new FTR bike. These tests proved to be extremely important for every one. These was the first time the riders had met those who will be their rivals throughout the season and also had the opportunity to assess their strengths. Refining the set-up of the bike, feeling at ease riding it and maintaining a good pace has always been the main objective of the Avintia Racing team riders. However they were keen on showing they were high-level and quality riders as they were among the frontrunners throughout these practices. They will meet again in Jerez next week. It is still a long way to go but all the team members got back from Valencia convinced that they had done a good job and that they would be ready to carry on in this direction. Ricard Jové (Team Manager): ” I am very happy with the job we did over the last three days. Both Maverick and Julian focused on looking for a good set-up a good pace and a good base. In Moto3 – despite the fact that at present it seems self-evident that other brands of propellant have better performances than us – Maverick has always been in the top three of his class. He remained consistent, he rode hard, he hardly made any mistakes and he proved he was a great professional rider. He is really pleased with the cycle side of his bike even though it still could be slightly improved. We do believe that we are on the front teams in the new Moto3 class and that Honda will provide us with the engine improvement that we need to fight on an equal footing with the other teams. For his part Julian also completed some very positive tests. He has just recovered fromn a very serious injury and a lack of pace was to be expected. In spite of it he managed to post some good times and ride in a very consistent way. He still needs to adapt to his new FTR but there is still time ahead as we have just begun. We should not be obsessed by the times we post especially because some teams were using engines that have better features and performances than those allowed during the championship. The most important thing now is to keep on working until the beginning of the season.” Maverick Viñales (1.41.02): ” We worked at many different levels over these last three days and we have made significant progress. We focused on the cycle and we managed to find a very effective combination on this track. We also worked a lot on the engine but we still need to improve it. And yet it is just the beginning and I am sure Honda will provide us with some great equipment. We were really competitive here and I really look forward to going to Jerez for the next tests. We will have to start from scratch there and be able to find a good set-up again. If we make it we will have taken a huge step forward as Jerez is a very complete track and if everything is going all right there then it means you actually got a lot of work done.” Julián Simón (1.36.08): ” It was a great test and it enabled me to get to know the the Avintia Racing team and my new bike a little bit more. It was cold but the sporadic nice weather allowed me to put in many laps and work on the bike so I could feel at ease. I had very positive sensations overall and I felt comfortable braking for example. There is logically still a lot of work to be done but I am very satisfied with the way things went over these last three days and also with the way the team has been working. They welcome me with wide open arms and put in a lot of efforts so I could feel at ease with the bike. Jerez is now coming up. It is a very complete and also a faster track on which I hope I will carry on adapting to the FTR.”