Moto2: Triumph moving closer to debut

The Triumph Moto2 project has moved another step closer to fruition this week after the manufacturer completed a successful test at Motorland Aragon with the 765cc engine that will power Grand Prix racing’s middleweight class from 2019.

Taking to the Spanish circuit where Moto2 engine preparers ExternPro are based with test rider and former 125GP champion Julian Simon onboard a Triumph Daytona machine modified to mount the new engine, the Spaniard says they’ve made a step forward since his last outing on the bike.

“I am really happy to be here in Aragón testing the development of the 2019 Moto2 engines with Triumph. I can see there has been a big improvement with the latest engine, giving a great feeling. There’s a lot of power and the gearing is fantastic, and for the sound, this is also fantastic. To me, it’s fun.”

And one other rider who says he’s looking forward to potentially trying out the new engine is former multiple Moto2 race winner Sam Lowes, who returns to the class next season. Going back to the intermediate series as a title contender, he says he has an idea of what would be the perfect thing for him as a British rider come 2019!

“It’s a change and it’ll change the dynamics of Moto2 as well. It’s been a long time with the Honda engine, but it needs a shake-up. The way the bike industry is going too, 600s are dying off a little, so it’s nice to see something new come in in that regard too, and I think it’s the way to go. I’m a little proud too, being a British rider, and who knows – if I’m still in Moto2, maybe I’ll get to run a number one plate on a British bike!

“With how the class is now, it might make 2019 a little more up and down, too. Everything is so dialled in on bikes like the Kalex, they’re only making very little changes. The top end might be the same, but they’ll have a bit more grunt too, so it’ll change riding style.”