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Spielberg, 16 August 2016: After an intense and fruitful weekend at the Austrian GP, the Mahindra Aspar Team remained behind at the Spielberg circuit for a day of testing with several other World Championship teams. Marco Bezzecchi had already tested a new swing arm planned for 2017 in the heat of battle during the Misano round of the CIV, coming away with two wins, the Austrian test was the first time Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia had a chance to sample the new swing arm, along with three new potential engine configurations for 2017.
The day was cut short with rain in the afternoon but the morning allowed both riders to test new engines currently being developed for the 2017 MGP3O. Each rider was given a different specification of engine, all offering a clear boost in performance. The engine used by ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia saw the most significant improvement around the Spielberg circuit, the day giving the team in Besozzo yet more information and data to work with.
The new swing arm was also available to test; the afternoon rain resulting in only Pecco running with it. Bagnaia’s feedback again proved development for 2017 is heading in the right direction. Work will now continue at Mahindra Racing’s European headquarters as the riders prepare for the Czech GP in just a few days’ time.
Francesco, Mahindra Aspar Team
“The new engine was a big step and it clearly has more performance overall. As a rider you always want more engine performance and if the 2017 bike keeps heading in this direction it will be very strong. I also tried a new swing arm which again was an improvement, the MGP3O already handles so well and it just made it better. A shame the rain came as I would have liked more time to try some more settings but now we focus on Brno.”
Jorge Martin, Mahindra Aspar Team
“I tried the new engine for next year. Mahindra brought three kinds of engine and the one I used was a bit better. The one that Pecco tried was really good and a great improvement, especially in terms of acceleration. I was going to try the new swing arm but it started to rain and I still can’t take any risks with my hand.”
Mufaddal Choonia, CEO, Mahindra Racing
“It was unfortunate that the test was cut short by the weather but both Jorge and Pecco were pleased with the development we have done. In particular Pecco’s feeling with the swing arm and new engine spec is very encouraging for 2017. Overall it was a positive but short day. There’s no time to rest for the riders or the team back in Italy as we head straight to Brno for the next round and continue to work on the 2017 machine back in Italy.”
