Barberá all set for premier class debut

Héctor Barberá was one of the six rookies in the MotoGP class who rounded off their on-track pre-season preparations in Qatar on Friday, as the Spanish rider left the circuit satisfied with what he had achieved.

The Páginas Amarillas Aspar man improved his second-session time by a fraction over six-tenths of a second from his effort on the opening evening, as he continued to find the right level on his Ducati prototype.

"The evening started really well because I hadn't been on track long before I started to match my times from the first day. I felt more and more comfortable on the bike and that allowed us to try some different things. It is always a drain on your time and energy because some things work and some don't. Either way all these tests have enabled me to see things more clearly and understand the bike more,” explained Barberá, who completed 74 laps on the second evening and was pleased with his times and consistency.

“The most important thing about this last session was that I set my best time riding alone. It is also positive that I did so many laps and stayed consistent on new and old tyres. Every time I get on the Ducati I improve a lot, but obviously the level is very high - you can make up ten positions with just half a second.”

Barberá is now looking forward to the season opener in Qatar, which will take place under the floodlights on April 11th.

“The overall reflection of the pre-season is that it was short because six days is not a long time when everything is so new,” he stated. “Anyway, we have met our initial objectives and I think we're ready for the first race of the year. We have potential and I whilst don't want to get ahead of myself I'd be lying if I said I didn't think we could challenge for the top ten."