The checkered flag fell on Sunday afternoon at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto but the work and the laps of the Spanish course did not stop for GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3. Augusto Fernandez and Jonas Folder thrashed their GASGAS RC16s through more Spanish sunshine to profit from the first of just two seasonal one-day tests in 2023.
The layers and layers of Michelin rubber etched across the sprawl of 13 turns in Jerez were added to by MotoGP race teams in Spain on Monday. From 10am to 6pm the track was handed back to the riders and technicians to trial new parts, ideas and setup solutions in the never-ending quest for more competitiveness.
After three long days at the venue and with his fourth consecutive points-scoring ride in the bag for what is his rookie term in the premier class, Augusto Fernandez aced almost 70 laps throughout the day with his best coming on the tenth: allowing the Spaniard to rank 18th fastest. Jonas Folger completed 63 laps and got further in sync with the GASGAS RC16, coming in 21st quickest.
Now, onto Le Mans.
Augusto Fernandez, 18th position: “A busy test but very happy with everything we tried. I think we made a good step in terms of race pace and I felt an improvement. Our work helped me at this track and I think it’s something that will also be good for future races. A positive day, so now I cannot wait for Le Mans.”
Jonas Folger, 21st position: “It was a really important day for me, for us. I was able to fix some issues I had during the weekend. We found solutions, especially with my riding. I made a step, so I’m satisfied. We played around with some settings as well and found a direction that I think will give us some good confidence to start in Le Mans. I was able to be more consistent and the pace was better than it was during the GP, so thanks to everyone for the work.”
Nicolas Goyon, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 Team Manager: “Our first test after the start of season so it was an important day for a rookie to back-check some things and try others on the bike and with his riding style. Augusto could ride without the stress of a race weekend and this was productive for him. He also had a few aero upgrades to try, which was also positive, so thanks to the group for bringing those. Jonas was more focused on rideability but also worked with aero parts to be more comfortable on the bike and improve ergonomics. He should have a better base as a test rider. We did a positive job, over 60 laps for each rider and a slightly improved lap-time for Augusto compared to qualification at the GP. Thanks to the whole team and group.”
Sebastian Risse, GASGAS Technical Manager: “We had an intense race weekend – because we are now up to pace with the bike – and we were able to continue and learn about some new developments. Thanks to the team’s work today we were able to be clearer about parts we want to use in the next races and we’re very much looking forward to the next GPs.”
- From GasGas Factory Racing
