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Moto2, Oliveira and KTM surprise at Valencia tests

In Moto2 the Portuguese rider closes ahead of Quartararo, in Moto3 Bendsneyder leads the way, followed by Antonelli and Di Giannantonio

Moto2: Oliveira and KTM surprise at Valencia tests

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The countdown has begun and so it's time to ready one's weapons for the coming season. Two days of testing is underway for Moto2 and Moto3 at Valencia, with twenty-four riders on track. The weather has played a starring role, with strong winds conditioning the Spanish session.

In the intermediate class it is Miguel Oliveira who has surprised everyone, setting the fastest time of the day, a 1’37”162. Despite this being more than two seconds slower than traditional race weekend time, this clue is not to be underestimated, because the Portuguese rider was able to show the potential of the KTM. The road is still long, but it seems that the Austrian squad are on the right path.

Behind him is rookie Fabio Quartararo, on track with the Kalex of team Paginas Amarillas HP40, just over one tenth behind the day's leader. German rider Marcel Schrotter is in third, preceding Ricky Cardus, who stands in for Brad Binder, still recovering from his left arm injury. Edgar and Axel Pons did not use transponders.

The Moto3 category is also in attendance, with Bo Bendsneyder and his KTM setting the best time of the group, lapping in 1’41”249. The Dutch rider got the better of the Italian pair in the form of Niccolò Antonelli (1'41"888) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (1'42"564). There is great anticipation regarding Enea Bastianini (1'45"286), also on track at Valencia, who embarks on a new adventure with Estrella Galicia, but also Romano Fenati (1'43"618 ) and the SIC58 Squadra Corse team, debuting in the world championship with Arbolino and Suzuki.

A day of work for John McPhee and the British Talent Team, and also for Kaito Toba and Indonesian rider Nakarin Atiratphuvapat. Team Leopard was also out on track, with Livio Loi and 2016 sensation Joan Mir. Times were not released, as teams did not use transponders. The Sky Racing TeamVR46 is absent, preparing for its presentation in Milan.  

  

Translated by Heather Watson
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