Lowes and Fernandez complete more valuable testing miles in Jerez
The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team continued its busy March schedule with another constructive two-day test session for Sam Lowes and Augusto Fernandez in Jerez.
Pleasant early spring temperatures of 18 degrees and grippy track conditions enabled Lowes and Fernandez to complete a hectic but very positive test schedule as the countdown to round one in Qatar continues.
The pair took full advantage of the favourable conditions to complete 317 important data-gathering laps between them, with the main focus on fine-tuning the race set-up of their Kalex machinery.
The next track outing for Lowes and Fernandez will be for the one and only official test at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on March 19-21. That test is immediately followed by a Doha double-header to start the 2021 Moto2 title chase on March 28 and April 4.
A busy first day stint of 83 laps gave Fernandez the chance to work on some modified parts made available by Kalex to help with his consistency on track.
The Spaniard completed an additional 71 laps on day two and he experimented with different front fork settings to improve front feeling.
“We have improved my feeling on the bike a lot”
“We have done a really good job over these last two days and it has been a positive test. We have improved my feeling on the bike a lot and tried many things that worked and others that didn’t. But that’s actually a positive because it gives us a clearer indication of the way we need to follow for Qatar. Now I can’t wait to get to Qatar for the final test where it will be important in those three days to work on the small details that we need to be even more competitive. But I am feeling ready to race.”
Gaining more front feeling and confidence was also a top priority for Lowes throughout the test and he was satisfied with progress made after completing 163 fast and consistent laps.
Lowes opted against pushing for a time attack and instead the 30-year-old preferred to complete a series of longer runs averaging around 10 laps each to concentrate on his pace on worn tyres.
“I feel ready to go to Qatar now for the official test”
“I’m really happy at the end of this test because we managed to improve my pace throughout and today I was able to do 41s on every exit. That shows even with used tyres I can be fast. I’ve only worked on race tyres this week and what is very pleasing is the things I liked in Valencia last week, I also I liked here in Jerez. And the things I didn’t like in Valencia, I didn’t like here. That’s good because in testing it is important not to get confused with what you do and don’t like. We’ve now got a clear indication of the base set-up I prefer going to Qatar and it’s also clear what parts I need to use to fix problems if we encounter any. I feel ready to go to Qatar now for the official test and ride on track with everybody else. It’s at the official test with everybody on the same tyres and same engines that you can understand more the level of yourself and your rivals. I love the Qatar track and I can’t wait to get out there because my shoulder injury last year meant I couldn’t race unfortunately.”
