Source: MotoGP.

Moto2 teams returned to Barcelona for an official test on Tuesday, where they had the chance to evaluate two new Dunlop tyres.

After an exhilarating race at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya that saw Johann Zarco take the win on Sunday, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya once more played host to the Moto2 paddock on Tuesday for an official test.

While teams and riders all had individual testing schedules to get through, there was the added bonus of getting their hands on two new Dunlop tyres to try out. The new tyres are an evolution of the existing rear S2 and S4 compounds, and the initial feedback from riders was extremely positive.

Petronas Raceline Malaysia’s Hafizh Syahrin was one of the first riders to try out the new S2 compound, and immediately said it was an improvement on the old tyre. Not only did he improve his times on average by 0.2s a lap, but he reported that there was less drop off in tyre grip as it got older and it provided more consistency for the rider.

A number of teams were also trying out new suspensions set-ups on the day. Tech 3’s Ricky Cardus and Marcel Schrotter were evaluating a completely new suspension set-up by Kayaba, while WP also brought some updates that QMMF Racing’s Anthony West said were already an improvement from the weekend.

Ohlins also brought some new parts for teams to try out, and Athina Forward Racing’s Simone Corsi told the official MotoGP website that he already preferred the feeling of his bike with the updates.

Riders also used the test to fine-tune their set-ups, with Moto2 championship leader Johann Zarco evaluating some different chassis configurations and also trying to improve the fuel injection system on his bike.

Speed Up Racing’s Sam Lowes worked hard on trying to fine-tune his suspension settings, as well as his riding position on the bike, in an effort to improve his feeling with the machine ahead of Assen. The British rider unfortunately had a minor crash towards the end of the day, but was unhurt.

Rain arrived just after midday at the test, and but luckily the sun returned shortly afterwards, and after a quick lunch break, most teams were back out on track in the afternoon.

Italtrans Racing Team, Paginas Amarillas HP40, and the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS team were not present, with the latter two having recently conducted successful private tests.