2011 Qatar Moto2 News
There’s no doubt Marc Marquez has quickly adapted to the Moto2 class.
Throughout the 2011 Moto2 pre-season tests, the 18-year-old Spaniard had positive results, and these results were duplicated Thursday at Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 for the opening round of the season at Qatar.
The Reposl rider Marquez finished second fastest in FP1, and sixth in FP2 at Losail International Circuit, showing his comfort level in the new class.
Once the tires got some heat in them, the 2010 125cc MotoGP Champion begin setting the fast laps at Qatar. Marquez then utilized the skills of his experienced team to improve on the Repsol set up, helping him become quicker.
Although high winds were prevalent at Losail in FP1, Marquez was one of two riders to post under the 2:30 second mark, just behind Stephan Bradl. These winds continued in FP2, when Marquez focused on testing tires, which Repsol says is a "key factor in such a close class."
Free Practice 3 will occur Friday, with the first qualifying session of 2011 Moto2 on Saturday before Sunday’s opening race.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Moto2) says: "Now I know what an official Moto2 free practice is like. I’m a little surprised, as I thought I would not be so close to the fastest time here, in Qatar. I’m satisfied with the team’s work, as their experience is very useful for me.
"One of the most complicated things in this class is to know how to manage the tyres during the free sessions, but we will learn about it. The changes of direction are also slower with a Moto2, but overall I’m happy with the result. During the first session the track was a bit slippery."
Qatar Moto2 FP2 Results:
1. Yuki Takahashi (Moriwaki)
2:01.695
2. Scott Redding (Suter)
2:01.748
3. Stefan Bradl (Kalex)
2:01.800
4. Andrea Iannone (Suter)
2:01.983
5. Thomas Luthi (Suter)
2:02.143
6. Marc Marquez (Suter)
2:02.348