Moto3™: rider changes aplenty ahead of 2019

Lightweight class official testing has yet to begin but 11 riders were in Valencia for a private test – with many taking on new challenges

For the Moto3™ grid, 2019 testing hasn’t officially started yet as the first test is scheduled for the 20th, 21st and 22nd February at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.

However, 11 riders were able to get two days of private testing under their belts in Valencia at the end of November. Among them were three rookies: Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0), Riccardo Rossi (Kommerling Gresini Moto3) and FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Junior World Champion Raul Fernandez (Angel Nieto Team Moto3) – the Spaniard picked up two top ten finishes in four starts during the 2018 lightweight class season.

Elsewhere, John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Gabriel Rodrigo (Kommerling Gresini Racing) and Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) began their adaptations to new teams and new machines – all switching from KTM to Honda in 2019 – while Aron Canet (Max Racing Team) also started his new Moto3™ adventure with the Max Biaggi and Peter Oettl led setup. In addition, Tony Arbolino (Snipers Team), five-time 2018 podium finisher Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing), Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Alonso Lopez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) kick-started their 2019 preparations - all of which are remaining with their 2018 teams. 

However, rookies Filip Salac (Redox PruestelGP), British rider Tom Booth-Amos (CIP – Green Power), Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) and 2018 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and Valencia GP winner Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will have to wait a little longer to begin their 2019 testing schedules. Likewise, Andrea Migno (Bester Capital Dubai), Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) and Makar Yurchenko (BOE Skull Rider) will get to grips with their new team in Jerez in February. 

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