After private tests and the first Official outing for the Moto3™ grid at the Circuito de Jerez, it’s time for the final showdown on the timesheets ahead of the Qatar GP. From 17th-19th March, the lightweight class will be at Losail for final preparations – so what’s to look out for?
- Last year’s rookies aren’t so rookie anymore…
2016 had a lot of incredible rookie performances, and the preseason saw them impress again. Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46) was fastest in Jerez, from fellow sophomore Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0). 2016 Austrian Moto3™ winner Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) was also in the top ten, with Bo Bendsneyder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) not far off. Then there’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (Del Conca Gresini Moto3), who broke his collarbone in a private test and wasn’t at full strength on the timesheets…
- Romano, reloaded
Moto3™ veteran, race winner and title hopeful Romano Fenati is BACK. Heading up the lineup for Marinelli Rivacold Snipers, Fenati has been consistently quick throughout testing. “What’s your goal for the season, Romano?” “The title.” It should be an interesting final outing for those who, like Fenati, have to hit the ground running in the Qatar GP, using the test to dial in and get race ready.
- Bastianini and Antonelli
Both race winners and Moto3™ big hitters, both moving to teams that often challenge for the title… EG0,0 new arrival Enea Bastianini and Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Niccolo Antonelli had a more muted showing on the timesheets in Jerez, so Qatar could give them another chance to show their hand – and what they have left up their sleeves.
- The Road to MotoGP™ gains ground
All new for 2017, the British Talent Team lines up with 2016 Brno winner John McPhee as a new part of the Road to MotoGP™ program, ahead of the British Talent Cup launching in 2018. There’s support for the new SIC58 Squadra Corse too as they move into the World Championship, and some familiar faces from the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup ready to race in Moto3™: Honda Team Asia’s Kaito Toba and Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, and Red Bull Rookies Cup winner Ayumu Sasaki (SIC Racing Team).
Losail International Circuit, Qatar, March 17-19th - the final countdown to the flag is on for the Moto3™ class of 2017.