Although the 2017 season hasn’t officially started (First round WEEKEND 30 / 2 APRIL) Thomas has already been out on track with his Case Moto Rapido Moto3 team testing new parts and familiarizing himself with the bike before round one in a week’s time. With two tests planned; one in the South of Spain for 4 days, and another day at Donington Park the team and Thomas were confident that they would have enough time to work on the bike.
In the first week of March the team headed down to Cartagena race circuit in Murcia, South of Spain for a 4 day test with Thomas (Motostar Standard Moto3), John Hopkins (BSB Superbike) and both bikes prepared and ready to get back out onto track. The first full day of riding on the 1st of March proved very successful for Thomas after the winter break, and by lunchtime he was confident with the progression that had been made. In the afternoon work began on setup with a key focus on improving confidence, track and bike knowledge which would help later in the week when the focus switched to specific parts of the lap.
Day 2 was another sunny and warm day allowing Thomas to get straight to work alongside the Case Moto Rapido Moto3 team and from the outset changes were made to the bike and new parts were tested. By lunchtime Thomas had further improved his laptime by over 2 seconds around the circuit and every session continued to improve . In the last session of the day and on old tyres, Thomas went out relaxed and from the outset went quicker to match his best time every single lap crossing the line. That evening the weather started to change and a bit of rain overnight left the circuit damp for the morning of the third day. With an already massively improved bike from day 1, Thomas’ confidence was booming and went out in the morning on the same tyres matching the pace of Junior World Championship standard riders. The rest of the day the rain fell and this allowed the team and Thomas to have a break.
On the final day Thomas started out in the morning, feeling comfortable on the bike and ending the test feeling extremely confident and happy.
Donington Park Official Test on the 22nd of March was a cold and wet day with Thomas and the team sitting out the final test of a successful pre-season testing schedule. With round one less than a week away, here is what Thomas had to say:
“I’m sat here now writing my blog section of this report on a nice sunny day reflecting on the last month and how fast it’s gone! I’m so pleased with the start I’ve had to this season and the warm welcome I’ve had to the Case Moto Rapido Moto3 team, I’m feeling really confident on the bike and enjoying my racing and riding more than ever. Spain was brilliant for me and I had so much fun getting back on the bike. The professional atmosphere around the team has been brilliant and working alongside an Ex-Grand Prix rider, John Hopkins who is someone I’ve always looked up to as a world class rider has been brilliant for my confidence. I’ve gotten on well with everyone in the team and absolutely loving it. I’m feeling fitter and stronger than last season, and I can’t wait for round one!”
Round one will be at Donington Park on the 30th – 2nd April; a race preview report will be out shortly, stay tuned!
