MotoGP: Anthony West ready to gamble with new chassis

Struggling factory Kawasaki rider Anthony West has said he is willing to gamble on using an untried chassis for the first time in Estoril this weekend to try and spark an improvement in his disappointing results.

The Aussie has collected only three points in the first two races and is hoping a new chassis will help eradicate some of the rear grip issues that have dogged him so far.

West was due to test the new chassis in Jerez last month but didn’t have the chance, and he’s now preparing to gamble and run his motorcycles with the new frame this weekend in Portugal.

Anthony West told MCN: “The plan was to test it in Jerez but we didn’t. In Qatar we went to a different chassis and that helped a little bit and this new one is supposed to be in the same direction.

“Our test rider Olivier Jacque says its better on the exit and that’s where I’m suffering the most at the moment.

“The stiffness is different to soften it up. Hopefully the chassis will be available for Estoril, and even though I didn’t test it I might run it because I’ve got nothing to lose.

“I’m keen to throw it in and try anything because being at the back right now is not real fun.”