West’s MZ machine developing well

Anthony West was one of the many riders on track at the Circuit de Catalunya on Thursday as he continued his work on board his MZ Racing machine.

The Australian, who has experience in the former intermediate 250cc class and MotoGP and is on the reserve entry for the 2010 Moto2 category, is using the days at the Barcelona track in an experimental capacity, as he explores chassis options for his prototype.

“Today it’s a brand new chassis and it’s a little bit heavier than the last one. The next one will be lighter,” explained West. “I’m just taking it easy. We still have to put better suspension, brakes and an exhaust on, it’s like standard street bike stuff at the moment. The main goal was to find improvements with the chassis and something that turns well, and we’re one step forward from where we were last time. I think from this base we can make the final bike.”

West continued: “With the chassis being stiffer it rides the line a bit better. Lap times aren’t any quicker at the moment but everyone has the same tyres, so we’re just trying to get used to those. It’s good to know that everyone will have the same engine as well.”

“After this I’ll try and get some new suspension,” he added, “and that’ll be a big improvement on what we’ve got now and then we’ve got the tests in Valencia and Jerez that are coming up.”