Moto2: First round a learning experience for Kent

Danny Kent has chalked the opening round of the 2017 Moto2 world championships down to a learning experience, after the former Moto3 champion made a strong start to Sunday’s race only to fall down the rankings to finish 13^th at the flag.

Still learning the nuances of their Kiefer Racing Suter machine against a grid largely composed of Kalex bikes, Kent was able to show his potential in the opening laps only to get caught out as race distance changed the performance of the machine.

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“To be honest, the result doesn’t meet our expectations after we went into the race from sixth position on the grid. Before the race, we made a change to the bike and obviously, we went in the wrong direction. During the opening laps, with a full tank, the situation and handling was still fine. The additional weight had positive effects on the behaviour of the front under hard braking. But with an increased distance, when the bike became lighter, I got increasingly problems. It was shifted less forward, which is why the front folded almost several times.

“Of course, it wasn’t a big help that several sessions were cancelled during the weekend, which was also the case during the official test last week. In addition, it was the very first race with this completely new bike. I’m satisfied with the points, but overall a little bit disappointed. The fact is that we must improve in some areas until the next race in Argentina.”

Teammate Dominique Aegerter, who started the race behind Kent on the grid but was able to rally through to beat him by two spots in eleventh, echoed his teammate’s sentiments after the race, admitting that his side of the garage needs the same thing as Kent – time in the saddle.

“Obviously, we went into this race with higher expectations. So, I’m a bit disappointed about the eleventh position if I consider what I have given and fought for during the race. Actually, the races itself are one of my biggest advantages. But after the long winter break, it was not easy for me get back this strong point immediately. Beyond that, Moto2 is that much hard-fought and there must be no lack of confidence. In addition, I’m still not at 100 percent in terms of riding and duels with other riders during the race. Overtaking other riders was not always easy for me.

“On the other side, I’m very happy with the bike. Therefore, a better result should have been possible because our package has really great potential. At the moment, however, we can’t fully exploit it. This was shown on day one of practice and today it wasn’t any different. There are still a few pieces left to complete the puzzle. And in addition, it was the first race with this bike for us. From this point of view there are also some small things to improve. In the end, I’m happy to have scored some points for the team, who is really working hard and doing a great job always. Now I’m looking forward to a short break and that we’ll continue with the second in Argentina immediately.”

Danny Kent has chalked the opening round of the 2017 Moto2 world championships down to a learning experience, after the former Moto3 champion made a strong start to Sunday’s race only to fall down the rankings to finish 13th at the flag. Still learning the nuances of their Kiefer Racing Suter machine against a grid largely composed of Kalex bikes, Kent was able to show his potential in the opening laps only to get caught out as race distance changed the performance of the machine. “To be honest, the result doesn’t meet our expectations after we went into the race from sixth position on the grid. Before the race, we made a change to the bike and obviously, we went in the wrong direction. During the opening laps, with a full tank, the situation and handling was still fine. The additional weight had positive effects on the behaviour of the front under hard braking. But with an increased distance, when the bike became lighter, I got increasingly problems. It was shifted less forward, which is why the front folded almost several times. “Of course, it wasn’t a big help that several sessions were cancelled during the weekend, which was also the case during the official test last week. In addition, it was the very first race with this completely new bike. I’m satisfied with the points, but overall a little bit disappointed. The fact is that we must improve in some areas until the next race in Argentina.” Teammate Dominique Aegerter, who started the race behind Kent on the grid but was able to rally through to beat him by two spots in eleventh, echoed his teammate’s sentiments after the race, admitting that his side of the garage needs the same thing as Kent – time in the saddle. “Obviously, we went into this race with higher expectations. So, I’m a bit disappointed about the eleventh position if I consider what I have given and fought for during the race. Actually, the races itself are one of my biggest advantages. But after the long winter break, it was not easy for me get back this strong point immediately. Beyond that, Moto2 is that much hard-fought and there must be no lack of confidence. In addition, I’m still not at 100 percent in terms of riding and duels with other riders during the race. Overtaking other riders was not always easy for me. “On the other side, I’m very happy with the bike. Therefore, a better result should have been possible because our package has really great potential. At the moment, however, we can’t fully exploit it. This was shown on day one of practice and today it wasn’t any different. There are still a few pieces left to complete the puzzle. And in addition, it was the first race with this bike for us. From this point of view there are also some small things to improve. In the end, I’m happy to have scored some points for the team, who is really working hard and doing a great job always. Now I’m looking forward to a short break and that we’ll continue with the second in Argentina immediately.”