Jerez: Insights from the latest pre-season tests
The initial challenges and the story of the tests for Team Snipers.
25 February 2024
A bitter weekend in Qatar, but with signs of confidence.
11 March 2024
We are now at the doorstep of the new motorcycle season, and riders are beginning to familiarize themselves with the new 2024 bikes during this weekend's testing in Spain. The Jerez track hosted three days of pre-season testing for the Moto3 category, with weather conditions posing no obstacles.
In the second session, both riders made significant progress, with Almansa securing 5th place and Bertelle 15th.
Finally, in the third session, Almansa quickly rose to 7th place, despite a fall that hindered his time improvement; while Bertelle finished 13th, slowed down by the fall in the first session.
Both showed good pace for both race pace and fast lap in the second session, despite traffic on the track and yellow flags hindering some passes.
But in the third session, Almansa temporarily took the lead; a technical issue led to Bertelle's retirement towards the checkered flag, despite this difficulty, session data show significant and encouraging improvement.
The second session brought significant developments; Bertelle climbed to 10th place while Almansa maintained his position in 12th after a series of fast attempts and laps used to study race pace.
The third session was not used by the team, as the riders did not return to the track having already completed the scheduled setups and related tests.
The riders' comments are also positive; Matteo Bertelle, despite the difficulties encountered, says: “These were 3 intense days but I'm managing to understand the bike step by step. We're ready for Qatar!”
David Almansa echoes the sentiment: “I am very happy with the work done with the team and how my adaptation with the bike went, we made small steps that were positive. I am happy with the Honda, I have full confidence in them because it is the world champion bike and we will bring it back to the top!”
Wednesday, February 28th
In the first day of testing, in the first session, Almansa showed strong determination from the start, placing 13th, while Bertelle struggled after a minor fall, finishing 23rd.In the second session, both riders made significant progress, with Almansa securing 5th place and Bertelle 15th.
Finally, in the third session, Almansa quickly rose to 7th place, despite a fall that hindered his time improvement; while Bertelle finished 13th, slowed down by the fall in the first session.
Thursday, February 29th
In the first session of the second day of testing, Almansa achieved a promising 9th place, while Bertelle worked on race pace consistency.Both showed good pace for both race pace and fast lap in the second session, despite traffic on the track and yellow flags hindering some passes.
But in the third session, Almansa temporarily took the lead; a technical issue led to Bertelle's retirement towards the checkered flag, despite this difficulty, session data show significant and encouraging improvement.
Friday, March 1st
The third day saw Almansa and Bertelle conclude the first session respectively in 9th and 12th place, showing further improvement in the fourth and final run.The second session brought significant developments; Bertelle climbed to 10th place while Almansa maintained his position in 12th after a series of fast attempts and laps used to study race pace.
The third session was not used by the team, as the riders did not return to the track having already completed the scheduled setups and related tests.
Team Comments
Mirko Cecchini, Team manager, is pleased with the work done: “We were fortunate to have these tests with good weather, we tried new material, and improved the riders' confidence with the bikes. These tests were positive and now we are excited for Qatar”.The riders' comments are also positive; Matteo Bertelle, despite the difficulties encountered, says: “These were 3 intense days but I'm managing to understand the bike step by step. We're ready for Qatar!”
David Almansa echoes the sentiment: “I am very happy with the work done with the team and how my adaptation with the bike went, we made small steps that were positive. I am happy with the Honda, I have full confidence in them because it is the world champion bike and we will bring it back to the top!”
