Exclusive pics: Tech 3 Moto2 bike on track

The Tech 3 team has given its new Moto2 bike its eagerly awaited track debut in France, as these MCN exclusive pictures show.

Designed by Colin Edwards’ crew chief Guy Coulon and James Toseland’s former data engineer Nicolas Goyon, the bike completed its first shakedown at the Ledenon circuit near Nimes yesterday (Tuesday).

The bike was ridden by French youngster Florian Marino, with the prime aim to check initial performance ahead of a first serious test in Valencia next week.

Using a standard production Honda CBR600RR motor, Marino completed a number of laps before a minor electrical issue halted the test.

Tech 3 begins its Moto2 testing in earnest in Spain next week when Italian Raffaele de Rosa makes his debut on the bike on December 9.

With only one bike fully built, Japanese rider Yuki Takahashi will not make his debut on the bike until the early part of 2010.

 

Tech 3 is one of the highest profile entries in the new Moto2 class, though the French squad will continue in MotoGP as Yamaha’s satellite team.

Texan duo Edwards and reigning World Superbike champion Ben Spies will ride for Herve Poncharal’s squad.