The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosted two days of private testing in which Alex Márquez and Xavi Vierge have prepared for the forthcoming Catalan GP while testing a new front fork, swingarm and linkages.

• With an outstanding Le Mans victory in their pocket, Team Estrella Galicia 0, 0 Marc VDSimmediately travelled to Barcelona to carry out a two-day private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
• The test was carried out in sunny conditions and pleasant temperatures and only briefly interrupted by occasional rain on Tuesday afternoon.
• The aim of this test was to start preparing for the Grand Prix of Catalonia and to test some new parts provided by Kalex and Ohlins.

Alex Márquez

• On the first day, Alex completed 61 laps in which he focused mainly on finding a base setting for the Grand Prix of Catalonia. Once done, Márquez set very competitive times.
• The number 73 was busy evaluating a new swingarm, new fork and different linkages to improve corner entry and corner speed. Alex also worked on his position on the bike.
• With 134 laps and 620km completed, the Cervera rider closed a very fruitful test and both Alex and the team feel ready to launch a strong challenge during the Grand Prix of Italy in Mugello, which is set for the weekend of June 2.

“We go to Italy 100% motivated after this positive test”

“It has been a very positive test. We tried a lot of things, some gave us confirmation of positive improvements and others didn’t work, but this is normal in testing. It is important to try a lot of things to make sure everything is clear when we return for the race here next month. I’m happy with my feeling on the bike at this track because I always enjoy riding here a lot. Now I’m looking forward to Mugello where we have clear ideas how we can be fast and strong again like in Le Mans. We go to Italy 100% motivated after this positive test.”

Xavi Vierge

• Solving the rear grip problems that have troubled Xavi since the beginning of the season was his main work throughout the two-day test.
• He gained better sensations throughout the test and was also able to work on the geometry and balance of his Kalex machine, as well as his position on the bike.
• The number 97 completed 133 laps and 615 km over two days in which he also tested the new fork provided by Ohlins. Xavi was satisfied with the feeling found and he hopes to demonstrate the progress made in Mugello.

“We have definitely made a step during this test”

“It has been a really positive test because we arrived here with a lot of work to do. Thankfully we had two good days where I could try everything we had in the plan. We found something that has helped me feel better with the rear grip, particularly with the hard compound tyre and I must thank my team for all their hard work. Now we can go to Mugello optimistic because that is a difficult track where you need to understand the base to work from and the direction you need to work. Thanks to this two day test we know now and that’s very positive. We have definitely made a step during this test and now we are looking forward to seeing how the improvements work at Mugello.”