Danny Kent hails James Toseland’s training support

Danny Kent reckons he will be physically and mentally better prepared than at any other time in his racing career after he teamed up with former double World Superbike champion James Toseland for an intensive winter testing schedule.

The 19-year-old has paid tribute to Toseland for helping his preparations ahead of his rookie season in the ultra-competitive Moto2 class.

Kent and Toseland became close pals as both are managed by ex-racer Roger Burnett and the pair have trained together throughout the winter ahead of the new campaign that kicks off in Qatar in April 7.

Kent, who will race for the Tech 3 Racing Team in 2013 after winning two races in the inaugural Moto3 race class last season, told MCN: “It has been very tough but it is going to be for the better.

“I knew that for racing you had to train but with James it has made me realise how hard you have to train to improve. James is a two-time World Superbike champion and he has raced the best, so he knows how fit you have to be to fight for a title.

“It has opened my eyes a little bit on how hard you do have to work to be at the top. It is good as well because Gino Rea has started to train with us and James is also involved.

“It is not like he is standing at the side of you and pointing and telling you what to do. He is actually there doing it with me as well, so that helps.”

Kent refused to give away too many details of the training regime he has undertaken with Toseland, but the goal has been to build up strength as he prepares to race the heavier and more powerful Mistral 610 machine with French teammate Louis Rossi.

He added: “I’m not going to give away any secrets but it has been a lot more intense than what I am used to. Much more work at a higher heart rate but it has helped a lot in terms of core strength.

“I already feel a lot fitter than what I was last year but it has been really hard work and I am aching. I’m struggling to hold this phone up right now to be honest.

“I’ve not really bulked up in terms of my body weight, but I’m a lot stronger than I was before but without putting weight on.

There’s no doubt that I am going to be physically and mentally better prepared than ever before and I can’t stress enough how much training with James has helped me out.

“It has made me think about things in a completely different way, but in a much more positive way.”

Kent is back on track in Valencia on February 12 when winter testing resumes.