Source: Supplied.

Queenslander Aiden Wagner has had a successful shakedown at Almeria on board the Marc VDS Racing Team Kalex that he will ride in a wildcard role at Phillip Island’s Moto2 World Championship round on 17-19 October.

After attending the Aragon round of the series, 20-year-old Wagner’s test was interrupted by rain in Spain, but ultimately proved beneficial in the lead-up to his grand prix debut.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Wagner. “The team did everything to make us feel welcome and we were their guests at the Aragon GP as well. I could not ever wish to have a better team than Marc VDS supporting me in my first grand prix.

“The Kalex bike was nothing like I have experienced and so different to the supersport machine I ride here. The grip levels of the Dunlop tyres are amazing and the lean angles and corner speeds are something else.

“It was so much of a benefit to me. If I had waited until Phillip Island to ride the bike it would be completely different, but now I have had time on the bike and know its characteristics, I will be fully prepared from the first session at the Island to go hard.”

Although the weather limited Wagner to 30 laps, advice from world championship leader Esteve Rabat who was on hand throughout the test will be instrumental come opening practice at Phillip Island.

“Tito was fantastic as he showed me a few things and also helped with my riding style as I changed that a little with the way the bike was set up,” Wagner added. “The Kalex is so agile it is surprising.

“Tito also looked at me out on track and offered some help in corner speed and lines as it is the most critical part of riding the GP bike. They have a similar horsepower to my 600, but the lap times are so much faster due to the frame and electronics and much faster corner speed.”

Wagner’s Marc VDS crew will be led by experienced grand prix identity Pietro Caprara, joined by Stewart Winton from the Victorian-based Oz Wildcard Racing team.