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First race of class Moto2 is waiting for Karel Abraham in Qatar
We asked Karel Abraham some questions before his departing to Qatar,:
- You rode the third best time in the last pre-season IRTA test in Jerez. Brought it more calm to you before the premiere of a new class, where forty riders will participate?
Absolutely not. Times in the tests were very balanced. In Jerez, the first sixteen riders lined up in one second and the rest had not a long distance from them. Moreover, I didn´t ride a lot of laps last day even when we finnaly set a good motorcycle. First of all Elias had a crash and then it started raining, so I haven't been on the track since half past two. We also worked on the settings of motorcycle for all two days, in Qatar we will have only a few hours. And then I´m still losing a lot of time in top speeds. I´m not going to Qatar with a „light heart“.
- How much are you surprised that there was so much work on a setup of motorcycle RSV in Jerez. Previously when you were tested RSV, it looked good?
It surprised me a lot, because in the first two IRTA tests we didn´t have any major problems. And I rode the same bike. I really did not understand it. But it is a completely new bike, we still have to learn more about that and it will take time. RSV development has a lot of things to improve. For example there will be new tanks in Qatar. Also we have to modify aerodynamics. My top speed was 233 km / h in Jerez but the best riders had top speed about thirteen kilometers higher. From the perspective of one kilometer long straight in Qatar, it is a very big difference. Unfortunately, we had very short time to prepare everything for the new class. But everyone is worried.
-How do you like a new motorcycle. It's a big difference against class 250cc?
While is new four-stroke engine set well it's a very pleasant ride. It is a more robust machine than 250cc, but it's not so aggressive. Gas is not as sharp and it might look a bit lazy. To the other side it rides in shear with full throttle at the exit of corners. This 250cc either hold or started to jump, but never rode skidding. Four-stroke engines are just better to control.
-What interesting can you say about new RSV machine with four-stroke engine Honda 600?
Regarding the chassis of RSV, so it is certainly an interesting tubular frame, which in addition to the Ducati is not so often to see. We still missing something for the minimum weight of 135 kg so we try to disburden constantly. Regarding the electronics, it's practically the same as a normal motorcycle, but it lacks for example such a traction control.
-How is the currently cooperation with the Italian factory RSV?
I think that cooperation works well. RSV has three factory riders, along with me a couple of team Aspar - Spaniard Simon and Frenchman Di Meglio. Conditions are now the same for all. In Jerez , for example we met all of us in the pits and we advised each other about the new fuel tanks.
- You will begin the World Championship in Qatar for the fourth time. You placed 7th here in the class 250cc in 2008, but you did not finish this race twice. How do you see your chances for this year?
I can not estimate at all. I don´t take times of the tests so seriously. The race will be about something else. I believed to myself with 250cc more. I think I learned 250cc quite well for the last 3 years. At the end of last year's championship, I finished sixth twice. A pity that the premiere of Moto2 didn´t come later. I believe I would have better results than now, but above it is not worth thinking about it. We are all in the begining so we will see how it will flourish. In Qatar, we will ride at night again, but I always liked the track here, even that I had a collision with Talmacsi here last year, it just happens. Many riders don´t have so much experiences with Qatar, it could perhaps be our advantage. On the other side, talking about some ambitions will be able to speak in the middle of the season, not before.
Thank you for the interview and we keep our fingers crossed.
Karel Abraham - number 17
Born 2.1. 1990 in Brno
First GP 125: Jerez 2005
First GP 250: Qatar 2007
Results of WCH:
2009 - 250: 14 place (74 p.)
2008 - 250: 16 place (40 p.)
2007 - 250: 16 place (31 b.)
2006 - 125: 24 place (8 p.)
2005 - 125: break-point
He rode on Aprilia machine in both classes.
Best result in the World Championship – twice 6th place in 2009 (Australia and Valencia)
