Barbera and Baz happy after Valencia test

Avintia duo get down to work for 2017

Hector Barbera and Loris Baz (Avintia Racing) had two positive days of 2017 testing after the Valencia GP, with Barbera getting his first taste of the 2016 Ducati in Avintia colours – and Baz getting onboard his Desmosedici from 2015. Both riders had good feelings from the days of testing and are happy with the progress made for each.

Barbera put in a best of 1:31.244, Baz a 1:32.161.

Valencia MotoGP™ Official Test

Hector Barbera (P15, day two): “This has been a very positive test because we were able to work in my riding position on the bike and the feeling was better every time I went out on track. The pace was fast and consistent, and although maybe we failed to do a really fast lap, I’m happy with the improvement made during these two days. Four tyres for two days are not so much, and the hardest Michelin tyre was too hard for the track conditions and our bike. I knew the bike thank to the races I did in Japan and Australia, and I confirmed that this bike has a big potential. The preseason has just started and now we’ll go to Jerez for another test of three days, where I will try to get more information. We also saw riders changing teams and some new people, and I think we will have even more fun during next season.”

Loris Baz (P19, day two): “I’m happy, because this has been a really good test and a good way to start. But mainly because with this bike we solved the problems we have been fighting with during all the season. We also understand why we struggled and basically it is because this bike is better, you can easily keep a constant pace and this one of the main problems we had last season. I also had the chance to work for the first time with my new crew chief, Paolo, and we started to know each other better. The first feeling was good and this was also positive. Finally we finished the year in good mood, although we had to wait for next season preparations. We will see how it goes in Jerez next week, where I hope to make a step forward.”