Danny Kent ‘in the seventh to eleventh ballpark’

Moto3 world champion Danny Kent says he has the pace to finish in the top ten at the opening round of the Moto2 championship this weekend at Losail, after leaving last weekend’s three-day test content with his progress so far.

“I feel like we made a step forwards at the last test now, and my pace is in the seventh to eleventh ballpark. That’s not too bad considering it’s my first time at Qatar on a Moto2 bike since 2013. My time on the last day of the test was three seconds faster than my 2013 qualifying time, too!”

However, the Leopard Kalex rider has been quick to remain grounded despite his world champion status, with the team working to a detailed programme though testing and the first few races of the year to ensure that they fully understand the solid progress they’ve been making.

“We’re working in a very professional stay, and we’ve been taking small steps instead of trying for big chunks and looking at lap times – we could be in fifth place and not know why we’re there. We’re creeping closer and closer, and knowing where we’re making up the time.

“Step by step, I’m starting to learn how to ride the bike faster though. Everyone knows how difficult Moto2 is, but comparing to last year I’m in the same ballpark as Alex Rins was in at the start of the year. He had a great first race, but during practices and qualifying he was where we are now.”