Apr
7
Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider Tito Rabat is determined to get back on track this weekend in Austin, Texas, after the reigning Moto2 World Champion crashed out in Qatar.
Rabat’s title defence began with a setback after he came off following a collision with Simone Corsi after only three laps.
He has twice finished second at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas and is aiming to go one better on Sunday to make amends for his misfortune in round one.
“We head to Austin knowing we have the pace to run at the front, but I need to remember this in the race. In Qatar I maybe made some mistakes; I saw [Sam] Lowes and [Johann] Zarco going away on the opening lap and I pushed too hard, too early,” he said.
“In Austin I need to use the opening laps to find a good rhythm and only then start to push, as this is what worked for me last season. The first time we raced in Austin I finished second and it was the same last year.
“Hopefully, this time around, I can go one better and fight for the win. That’s the goal, anyway.”
Moto2 rookie Alex Marquez enjoyed a steady debut in Qatar as he finished inside the points in 11th position and the 18-year-old is targeting further progress in Texas on the Kalex
“I learnt a lot in my first Moto2 race in Qatar, so we head to Austin with a clear understanding of where we need to improve, not just in the race but also in qualifying,” said Marquez.
“The Circuit of the Americas didn’t really suit my riding style on the Moto3 bike last season, but with twice the power I think the Moto2 bike will be very different indeed.
“The first sector is critical to a good lap time, so we need to find a good compromise with the set up between agility – allowing the bike to quickly change direction at high speed – and stability under braking, as this is one of the areas we know we need to improve,” he added.
“My motivation is high and I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead.”
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