Moto2 01 GP Qatar - Preview > Team Aspar Moto2

08/04/2010

GP of Qatar – 06/04/10 – Losail Circuit – Moto2 Preview

MAPFRE ASPAR TEAM HEAD FOR HISTORIC OPENING NIGHT OF MOTO2 IN QATAR

Spanish team line up for inaugural season of new category with the last two 125cc World Champions: Julián Simón and Mike Di Meglio

Five months since the end of the 2009 season the MotoGP World championship will be quite literally back under the spotlight next weekend as the 2010 campaign fires up in Qatar. The Losail circuit is once again the launch pad for a new season in which the majority of intrigue and excitement surrounds the take-off of a new category - Moto2. From the evidence of preseason the only predictable thing about the new championship looks set to be its unpredictability, with very little to choose between the riders and machinery. In fact, the final test of the preseason at Jerez saw the top twenty fastest riders separated by just a second!

The Mapfre Aspar team is eager to unleash its 2010 line-up, with Julián Simón and Mike Di Meglio having shown their potential on their new RSV machines. The two 125cc World Champions from the past two years have the pedigree to battle for ultimate glory this Sunday and beyond, having both launched their 2009 seasons with podium finishes at Losail. Repeat results would be the ideal way to kick off what looks set to be a closely contested championship.

Julián Simón: “I am highly motivated about going to Qatar after the last test and it is exciting to know that the next time I get on the bike will be an official practice session for the World Championship. At Jerez the RSV showed that it was at a good level and I hope that proves to be the case at Losail too. My idea is to start the year out in the best way possible by picking up as many points as I can and fighting to be at the front. Losail isn’t one of my favourite tracks – I prefer slower circuits – but the bike seems to perform well in any kind of corner so I’m confident. I’m curious to see how the RSV performs in night conditions and how I am able to adapt my riding. I’m sure that we will find a good set-up on Friday and Saturday and be in good shape for the race. It won’t be easy because there is a lot of quality in this category but I hope that Losail can be lucky for me and I can start out like I did last year – with a podium!”

Mike Di Meglio: “I really love Losail - with the excitement of starting a new season I am doubly looking forward to going there! Hopefully I can get to grips with the four-stroke characteristics of the RSV at this circuit. There is not much time in practice so we will have to try and get on the pace quickly and not waste time making pointless changes to the set-up. At Jerez we gathered a few ideas about what could work for the RSV in the first race and even though the level of competition is very high in this category I am sure we can perform well. When I was little I always used to ride at a circuit that was open at night so this race always brings back fond memories of my childhood.”