New beginnin
Michael Laverty’s British VisionTrack GP team breaks cover in first shakedown test in Jerez
The all new, Brit based VisionTrackGP Moto3 squad kicked off preparations for the 2022 season at Jerez last week. In what was the team’s first ever test, the two young Brits Scott Ogden and Josh Whatley completed two days onboard their Honda NSF250R Moto3 machines. Both riders have come from racing KTMs in the Moto3 Junior World championship – making the two days in Jerez a vital start to learning their new bikes, crew and team surroundings.
Ogden was the highest placed, ending the two days test having completed a total of 90 laps and a best time of 1’46.859s, which was 1.508s off 2021 Moto3 runner up Dennis Foggia and just 0.075s behind longtime Moto3 man John McPhee who made his debut onboard the Max Racing Team Husqvarna having raced the Petronas Honda last season.
Speaking to MCN in Jerez, Ogden who turned 18 in October said: “It was a bit nerve-racking at the start and I was the first out on track on day one. Being a test it’s not as full-on as I expected it to be. It’s relaxed which means we can just focus on ourselves and not worry about anyone else.
“Looking at the times, the guys right at the front have got a little bit more than me at the moment, but it doesn’t seem like it’s impossible – it’s little gains everywhere and I’m sure that will come with more time.”
By the end of the test Ogden felt he’d made strides adapting to the Honda having raced a
GasGas branded KTM in the Aspar squad in the Junior World Championship.
“The Honda is definitely easier to ride and you can get on it
straight away and be pretty fast. It’s a nice flowing bike, whereas the KTM was more stop and start and you had to push it to the limit to get it to work. I like the Honda and I think it suits me a little bit better. I spent a year on a Honda couple of years ago so it is a little bit familiar, but the latest version is completely different so I’m just enjoying getting some laps on it.”
Teammate Whatley ended the test with a 1’48.761 best after 70 laps, but the 16-year-old clearly wants and expects more. He said: “It’s gone good. I’ve struggled a bit because I don’t have any experience of this bike, but we’ve made good steps and we’re going in the right direction. I just need more time.
“In terms of improving it’s down to learning the bike and working with my crew chief on areas of the bike we can make better. Everything and everyone is new right now.
“People are telling me to be patient, but I’ve had this test, I’ve got three days in Portimao and then it all starts at round one and I want to be good from the get go.”
The team now head to Portimao where they will complete three days of official testing ahead of the opening round of the 2022 Moto3 championship under the floodlights of Qatar on March 4-6.
The test will be the first time they are on track with all the current Moto3 riders and will be the first test with the full 2022 spec bike from Honda.