Losail.- After the doubts that loomed throughout last season about the weaknesses of the Suzuki in terms of top speed, the first day of the course in Qatar showed that the Hamamatsu house has done a good job during the winter and in a circuit where power has always prevailed Alex Rins managed to lead the time sheet, with his teammate Joan Mir, third.
“We did a good job, both in terms of pace and one lap. Suzuki has to be happy because the engine has been improved, but we have to continue improving in other facets,” explained Rins at the end of the day.
In addition to leading the times, the Suzuki was the fastest bike and the Catalan was able to lead a free session, something he hadn’t done since FP2 in San Marino last year.
“I have never seen myself first in top speed. As a driver you always want more. This year we have a new engine and rear regulator here, which we didn’t have last year. Now on the straights we can breathe and there is less room for mistakes We have already endured the slipstream of the others, and I have set the highest top speed of the two sessions. And the essence has not changed”, explained the runner.
Another important improvement is the evolution of the rear device that regulates the height of the bike, an aspect in which Suzuki was far behind.
“Anything can be improved, but regarding the height device we have, it is much better than the one we premiered in Austria.”
Despite the great advance, which makes the two brand drivers happy, Rins did not want to stop pressing.
“I’m surprised with how well we’re doing, but let’s wait for Saturday and Sunday”, before ending with a new request: “Now something very important is missing, which is aerodynamics”, settled the Barcelonan.
