The chequered flag has fallen at the conclusion of the thrilling 2024 Moto2 and Moto3 Jerez Test, leaving us eagerly anticipating the season opener in Qatar. Topping the timesheets in both classes are Fermin Aldeguer of Sync SpeedUp in Moto2 and Jose Antonio Rueda from Red Bull KTM Ajo in Moto3, both setting unofficial lap records that added an extra dash of excitement to the event.
Moto2: Aldeguer Edges Out Roberts for P1
Aron Canet of Fantic Racing took the spotlight in the initial two days, posting a commendable 1:40.7 lap time. However, on the final day, most riders unleashed their personal bests, with Aldeguer claiming the fastest lap. It was a close call, as Joe Roberts from OnlyFans American Racing trailed by just 0.044s in P2, while Manuel Gonzalez of QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 was 0.078s behind in third. Despite a spill on the final day for both Aldeguer and Roberts, their resilience shone through, with all top three riders achieving their best times in the closing session.
In total, seven riders surpassed Canet's 1:40.640 all-time intermediate class lap record at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, showcasing their adaptability to new machinery and Pirelli's revamped tyres, a significant change for the 2024 Moto2 and Moto3 season.
Tony Arbolino of Elf Marc VDS Racing Team, last year's runner-up, briefly led the pack on the final day but ultimately secured P4. Canet claimed P5 on the combined timesheets, with the top five separated by a mere 0.134s, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive Moto2 season.
Meanwhile, Red Bull KTM Ajo's Deniz Öncü emerged as the fastest rookie, concluding the three-day test just 0.8s behind Aldeguer after an impressive 1:41.161 lap on Friday.
Moto3: Rueda Surpasses Alonso
David Alonso of CFMOTO Aspar Team dominated Days 1 and 2, but Rueda, another sophomore rider, stole the show with a remarkable 1:43.272 lap in the penultimate session. This time was nearly two seconds quicker than Andrea Migno's lap record, outpacing Alonso's Day 2 effort by 0.043s. The Spaniard and Colombian showcased their prowess with formidable laps.
Ivan Ortola and Ryusei Yamanaka of MT Helmets - MSI joined forces on the final day, both clocking 1:43.6s and coming within 0.4s of Rueda's impressive effort. Dutch sensation Collin Veijer of Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP secured P5, just over half a second behind the leader.
In the rookie department, Red Bull GASGAS Tech3's Jacob Roulstone claimed top honours with a solid 1:44.538 on Thursday. Luca Lunetta of SIC58 Squadra Corse closely followed with a 1:44.574 on the final day.
And with that, pre-season testing concludes. Our next destination? Qatar. As we bid farewell to Jerez, the Moto2 and Moto3 classes promise an enthralling season ahead, with the anticipation building for the opening chapter in Qatar. Stay tuned for the action-packed journey that awaits us!
