| WILAIROT HAPPY AFTER FTR MOTO2 DEBUT |
 FTR MOTO tested its M209 development Moto2 machine with an existing Grand Prix rider for the first time at Valencia in Spain yesterday and Ratthapark Wilairot of Thailand confirmed the machine’s potential after 17 laps of the 2.49-mile circuit. The machine ran within Wilairot’s 2009 Thai Honda PTT SAG team that will switch from 250cc to the new Moto2 World Championship category in 2010. Despite cool conditions Wilairot was happy with the feedback offered from the innovative FTR chassis. “Obviously the machine is very different to a 250cc machine so it took a few laps to get a comfortable feeling,” said Wilairot. “Once I was used to the engine braking I was happy and I wanted to push harder but the cold track conditions didn’t allow for that.” He continued: “The feel from the engine was similar to my original race machine in Thailand, from when I first started racing, so I did have something to compare to. Overall I am really pleased to be one of the first privileged riders to test with a Moto2 machine and I’d like to thank the team and FTR for giving me such an opportunity.” Wilairot finished in 13th place in the 2009 250cc World Championship with best finishes of fifth place, in Le Mans, France and at Valencia on Sunday. FTR director Steve Bones commented: “The development of the FTR machine has again moved forward with Wilairot’s test and even after just a handful of days running the prototype machine we’re getting really good feedback from the teams and riders and making a lot of progress.” Testing continues today at Valencia with the Thai Honda PTT SAG team’s seven-time GP race winner Hector Faubel making his debut on the FTR M209. |
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