Marc VDS’ Redding, Kallio test new Kalex machine at Valencia – MotoGP news
Marc VDS team riders Scott Redding and Mika Kallio had their first test outing on the Kalex machine that will be used in the 2012 Moto2 season.
Both riders tested the new bike following the season finale event at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, Valencia. The test session was held for three days. Though the rain affected the session, still both delivered promising performance aboard new machines.
Redding said, “I'm really happy with the Kalex bike. We changed very little during this test, basically I rode the bike as it was supplied, yet it felt good and the lap times on the first day came fairly easy.”
The British rider further commented on the new bike that it is bigger which helps him to position himself properly.
Due to the size of the bike, he was able to turn it steadily around the corners. In previous season while using a Suter chassis, turning at this speed was problematic.
He rode the bike with its basic setup and lapped impressive times. The bike is already fast, but with little setup changing it will get even better. Though the test session was affected by rain but it ended with positive results.
The Brit was able to record third fastest lap time on the initial day of the test session. He continued to make some changes according to the wet conditions and also faced some clutch issues.
Former MotoGP rider, Mika Kallio was also one to ride the new Kalex machine with his Marc VDS team. The Finish rider raced in premier class for two seasons, 2009 and 2010.
He has also signed an extension to his contract with Marc VDS for the 2012 season.
Kallio said, “Overall the three days of testing with the new bike were very positive, although we were a little unlucky with the weather.”
“The first day was dry, but the second was a washout. This morning conditions weren't ideal either, as there were still damp patches on the track and there was little grip to be had after the rain,” he added.
However, he managed to improve his lap times by half a second as compared to the initial day. The rain forced the day’s session to end earlier.
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