This morning it’s all about testing. Yesterday World Champion-elect, Jorge Lorenzo descended on the new Aragon Circuit, about 2 hours from Barcelona, to have his first look at the track that will stage one of the THREE MotoGP meetings to be held in SPAIN this year (don’t get me started on THAT). Now, since a lot of the other riders, notably Randy de Puniet, Hector Barbera, Loris Capirossi, Alvaro Bautista, Nicky Hayden, Mika Kallio and Aleix Espargaro have already ridden the track last month, it seems only fitting for Lorenzo to do so too. Of course, with testing outside of the FIM’s designated tracks and times being banned in the interest of saving costs (see below), Lorenzo and the others have all been dutifully circulating around the Aragon track on their respective manufacturers’ road bikes, Lorenzo on an R1.
Lorenzo apparently enjoyed the track as have the other riders who have “tested” there.
And, since we are discussing testing this morning, there is some sign that the FIM might be going to relent on their ban on extensive testing. Presently the testing regime is 6 days in total and only two of those days are allowed to be during the season. Since speeds continue to rise and lap records continue to be broken, it doesn’t seem to me like anyone is really suffering from lack of testing, but, you know the manufacturers. And, since engines are being superannuated at an alarming rate along with bodywork, chassis and ancilliary components, God help us what would happen if the teams were allowed to spend even more time on track than what they presently are. To say nothing of the logistics, wages and other associated costs.
Be that as it may, the whining from the teams seems to be about to pay off with rumours out of Europe this morning that the FIM is seriously considering incresing testing days. The proposal looks like an extra day added after the post race test in Valencia with Jerez put back on the testing calendar at the end of November and another two days between February and March at Phillip Island, between the two days programmed at Sepang.
Further, it is suggested that the FIM might FURTHER increase testing time for the beginning of the 1000cc season in 2012. Listen for the sounds of cash registers ringing.
gearsau says
Phil,
Actually, its a CATCH 22 situation re testing. They cut the testing back because of the GFC and reduced the amount of track time ( practise) at the races. Therefore, the teams that didnt get it right at the start of the year, never get a chance to catch up.
Look at DUCATI and Stoner. Front end problems, and it took until half way through the year to solve them. All the crashes that STONER had effectively ruled him out of the Championship, but, if the teams were allowed more testing, perhaps they may have solved that issue out of sight , rather than have to do it in a race meeting.
The lack of testing kept some teams behind, so, we do have close racing, everyone complains, and no-one goes to the races.
Then , because of falling TV and rowd figures, money dries up. Then no-one can afford to go testing 🙂
Definitely a Catch 22 situation..
All the best from Siem Reap
Phil Hall says
You are, of course, correct!