2016 Moto2™ contender Franco Morbidelli and 2014 Moto3™ World Champion Alex Marquez revealed their intermediate class challengers for 2017 recently in Madrid, with the teammates pulling the covers off the new Kalex machinery during the launch event for the entire Estrella Galicia 0,0, Marc VDS and Monlau structure.
Morbidelli was a constant presence at the front during the second half of the 2016 Moto2™ season, and went on a consistent run of podium finishes. 2017 sees the Italian focusing on a first win in the class – as well as setting his sights on a fight for the title.
Marquez got his first Moto2™ podium in 2016 in his second year in the class, and added another few impressive top finishes to his growing Moto2™ portfolio. Looking to be more consistent for 2017 – and get into the fight at the front – Marquez had surgery over the winter break to fix issues with arm pump.
Franco Morbidelli: "I think we did a really good job last year. This year is completely different and we have to start over again, remembering what we achieved in 2016 and what we can achieve now if we keep up the good work. This will also be my second season with Estrella Galicia 0,0 and for me it's another step forward to keep growing as a person. The whole team is very attentive to me, there's different nationalities and it's a great experience."
Alex Marquez: "The first half of last season wasn't easy, but you have to learn form it and if we want good options at the end of the year you have to be very constant and regular - something we were missing last year. So more than anything I want to start the season well, finishing races, which is something that can reward you with a Championship. You have to go step-by-step, more than anything just be constant. I'm one of the riders who has spent the most time in the Estrella Galicia 0,0 family, it's my fifth year and I'm very happy about that. It's not just a sponsor, more like a family."