The Jerez circuit plays host to the final Moto2 preseason test next week, with the Marc VDS Racing Team’s Scott Redding and Mika Kallio both heading to Spain with their sights set firmly on finishing on top of the timesheet.

The three days at Jerez will see the Moto2 contenders testing with the 2012 race engines which, together with the official timing that has been absent from the two previous tests, will allow direct comparisons to be made between the riders for the first time this year.

While Redding and Kallio’s focus will be on fine tuning their Kalex Moto2 machines during the three days at Jerez, both Marc VDS riders are well aware of the psychological advantage to be gained by topping the timesheets at the final test ahead of the first race of the season.

Immediately after the Jerez test the Marc VDS Racing Team’s Kalex Moto2 machines and equipment will be shipped to Qatar for the opening race of the 2012 season, which takes place on 8th April.

Scott Redding #45:
“The feeling with the new Kalex has been so good during preseason testing that I just want to get out and ride the bike all the time, so I’m definitely looking forward to this final test in Jerez. Unlike previous tests we’ll be able to make direct comparisons with the other riders, as we’ll all be using the 2012 race engines for the first time. We know what the lap times were from the last test in Jerez, so it will be interesting to see if everyone can match them with the race engines and, for the first time this year, official timing!”

Mika Kallio #36:
“This is an important test for everyone, as it is the last before the season starts in Qatar. Everyone will be running the race engines this time in Jerez, so it’s an ideal opportunity to see where we are compared to everyone else. The bike has been working well in testing, so we head for the final test in Jerez already in a good position. We just need to carry on working to further refine the set-up over these three days, but we’re only really talking about very small details. I’m looking forward to riding the bike again; the season can’t start soon enough for me.”

Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“The two tests we’ve completed already this year have been very positive for us, with both riders adapting well to the Kalex Moto2 bike. But it’s only at this final test, with everyone using the 2012 race engine that we’ll really see how we compare to the rest of the field. I’m confident that Scott and Mika will be up towards the top end of the timesheet in Jerez, but more important is that we leave this final test with a bike on which both can challenge for the podium in Qatar.”