On Day 2 of the 2019 Valencia Test, five-time 2018 podium finisher Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was able to test a new Suzuki engine at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
The Spaniard completed 69 laps on the second day to take his tally up to 101 across both days, eventually finishing P7 and 0.497 off pacesetter Maverick Viñales (Yamaha Factory Racing).
“The first impression was very good with the new engine,” explained the Suzuki man. “We did a lot of laps with the new engine, (and) the old engine. Finally, the fastest lap time was with the old engine, so we need to work a lot on the new engine. Visually, it’s very fast, a lot of power, but we need to adjust everything for the good feeling.”
So what was the difference between the new and old engine? “The only big difference I felt was the power,” said the number 42 rider. “The new one has more power from the bottom area. All the gears with more power, with more wheelie. This is the only difference I felt.”
The Jerez test is just seven days away, so what is the plan for Rins and Suzuki at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto? “The exact plan for Jerez I don’t know. We will try to use this new engine with some modification on the electronics area, but I don’t know it’s definite or not.”
So, what about new teammate Joan Mir? The rookie - who didn't try the new engine - lapped 115 times across the two days in Valencia and after finishing Tuesday an impressive 1.371 off P1, the 2017 Moto3™ World Champion was able to set a 1:31.714 on Wednesday to end his debut test 0.957 from Viñales.
“We were not focusing on one area, we were focusing on everything to understand a bit more the electronics of the bike, how the MotoGP bike works and everything,” commented Mir. “I’m so happy, overall. We did a good pace, which is really important. I think the best lap could be better for the pace we have but I’m super happy. The second day of testing in Valencia and I can’t wait for Jerez. I’m struggling to make one fast lap. This is something that we have to continue working on.”
Mir doesn’t have to wait long until he’s back on board his GSX-RR machine. Can both Rins and the rookie continue their positive starts to 2019 in southern Spain?