Argomenti trattati
Rossi Attila Moore, the promising Hungarian-American rider from the Révész Racing Next Generation Riders Team, made his debut in the FIM JuniorGP Moto2 category on May 4 in Estoril, Portugal. The weekend was filled with unpredictable weather and significant challenges, setting the stage for an exciting yet tough race. This event not only marked the beginning of his season but also highlighted the resilience and determination needed to excel in competitive motorcycle racing.
Preparation and practice sessions
The first two days of the race weekend were dedicated to free practice sessions, where the unpredictable weather conditions played a crucial role. As the team worked tirelessly to optimize their bike settings, they faced the challenge of a wet track on Saturday morning. Unfortunately, this led to a couple of crashes for Rossi, which diminished his valuable track time. However, the team seized the opportunity to make significant adjustments for the qualifying session. They refined the gear ratio, which had previously shown promise during start simulations, aiming to improve Rossi’s performance.
Despite suffering from minor bruises and discomfort from the crashes, Rossi pushed through the pain during Q1, ultimately securing a commendable 5th place finish. He was just 0.078 seconds shy of advancing to Q2, which meant he would start the race from the 19th position on the grid. This setback was a tough pill to swallow, especially for a rider eager to make his mark in the competition.
Race day challenges
On race day, the atmosphere was charged as the first race was set to kick off. With approximately 80% of the track dried, the conditions were tricky. Although the rain held off, the surface still lacked full dryness, leading to a strategic decision by the team’s lead engineer. Instead of opting for slick tires, they chose wet tires, a choice that ultimately backfired. As the race unfolded, one of the notable incidents was Eric Fernandez’s crash while leading the race, which added to the chaotic nature of the day.
Rossi fought valiantly for a position that would earn him points, but the combination of poor tire choice and suboptimal bike performance resulted in a disappointing 17th place finish. The race concluded with Spain’s Unai Orradre taking the victory, followed closely by Francesco Mongiardo and fellow Italian Alberto Surra. Despite the challenges faced, Rossi’s determination remained evident as he prepared for the next race.
Second race performance and future prospects
The afternoon brought a fresh start for Rossi as the second race commenced. This time, he showcased a remarkable improvement right from the beginning. The bike responded well to the racing lines, and Rossi demonstrated his racing skills by overtaking competitor after competitor. His efforts paid off, culminating in a 13th place finish, allowing him to secure three valuable championship points.
This race served as a learning experience for Rossi and the team, highlighting the importance of strategy in racing. As they reflect on the lessons learned from the Estoril weekend, the focus shifts toward the upcoming race in Jerez on June 1. The team understands that adjustments need to be made to the bike settings to ensure that Rossi’s performance can be maximized during future competitions.
Looking ahead
As Rossi prepares for the next challenge, there is a sense of urgency and excitement within the team. The experiences from Estoril have underscored the complexity of racing and the need for precise decision-making regarding bike settings and race strategies. With a solid understanding of what adjustments are necessary, the team is determined to ensure that bike number 92 will be a strong contender, capturing the spotlight throughout the race in Jerez.