Mapfre Aspar prepared to run the Suter-MMX in Le Mans

Two races into the 2010 Moto2 motorcycle world championship season the Mapfre Aspar Team has decided to change from the RSV chassis to the Swiss made Suter-MMX who currently lead the series.

Team owner and former world champion Jorge „Aspar“ Martinez has taken this dramatic decision after riders Julián Simón (125cc world champion 2009) and Mike di Meglio (125cc world champion 2008) could not reach their potential at the opening two rounds of the season. Taking advantage of the three weekend break between Jerez and Le Mans, the Spanish team hopes to be prepared to run the new Suter chassis in France, with Friday practice beginning May 21.

We are proud that the team Mapfre has put it's trust in Suter Racing and are ready to support them with the same high professionalism as all the other Suter-MMX teams.

In a very short time frame two brand new Suter-MMX bikes have been built for the team Mapfre Aspar in order for them to be able to test already with both riders last Thursday in Albacete (Spain).

High winds and cold temperatures (which did not exceed 13C) met the team at the Spanish circuit, and the wet track due to heavy rain meant that riding did not start until afternoon. Despite the weather again proving to be an adversary, Mapfre Aspar riders Julian Simon and Mike di Meglio managed to accomplish their aim of completing a substantial amount of laps on the Suter-MMX. Riding almost non-stop both experienced good feedback with their new bike, and even a late fall for Di Meglio failed to take the shine off a good days work. The Mapfre mechanics also expressed their joy in working with such a high-tech and user-friendly Moto2 machine.

Also on the track in Albacete with the Suter-MMX was Eskil Suter, CEO Suter Racing Technology and former GP pilot. In heavy rain he tested different clutch settings. The joy of riding such a well balanced bike could well be seen in his face.

Julián Simón auf Suter-MMX

Julián Simón, who regularly rode in the low 1:32s said:«I’m really happy with this test because it’s served us well in getting to know the Suter. We’ve tried to work mainly on the front suspension to cut out some chattering, but I think that was caused largely by cold conditions which didn’t help the tires either. The feelings were good and the mechanics have also gotten to experience the bike. I’m sure we’ll arrive at Le Mans prepared to put on a good performance quickly.»

Mike di Meglio auf Suter-MMX

Team-mate Mike di Meglio stated: «Today’s been a very positive one because we were able to do a lot of work despite the conditions. I completed a lot of laps and rode comfortably, gradually getting a very good feeling with the bike. I already can say that this is a very good bike. It’s a shame I had a fall towards the end of the day in the first turn, it was a silly one because I was looking for my limit as I felt confident with the response of the front end. I broke too much and lost the direction of the bike. Fortunately there were no major consequences and well arrive at Le Mans prepared.»

Jorge Martinez:«The sponsors and the team itself demand a challenge for victory from the very outset and so we have decided to switch to Suter, who have enjoyed contrasting levels of success already and currently lead the Moto2 standings. We feel it is the right choice for us as we look to mount a challenge for the title, starting at the next race. The relationship with RSV is excellent but we have a responsibility to do all we can to have the most competitive material available and for that reason we have decided to make the change now.»

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