Moto2 shake-up
New Pirelli control tyre arrives as fresh names enter fray
MotoGP’s junior categories enter a new era in 2024 as Pirelli take over from Dunlop as the sole tyre supplier for both classes. And the final pre-season outing at Jerez showed competition will be as tight as ever with 18 men separated by just 0.854s on the final day.
While widely expected to shake up the racing to a degree, the switch also offers a chance for a handful of lesser fancied names to emerge from the shadows. Step forward Joe Roberts, who appeared rejuvenated at Jerez thanks to moving back to the American Racing squad after a largely disappointing three-year stint at Italtrans.
“Getting the band back together,” was how he described returning to the team where he came of age in 2020. The Californian was inside the top two on each of the three days, and has taken an immediate shine to Pirelli’s front tyre. “This was probably one of the best off-season tests I’ve ever had. Every day we’ve been competitive, strong. I’m super happy with my pace on the softer tyre – we’re able to do a lot of 1m 40s. The position is great, but I’m happy with that pace. That’s what we need for Qatar.”
Roberts, who is now 26, was largely out of place at Italtrans, an all-Italian team, with a limited grasp of English. He also grew frustrated with a dogmatic approach to the bike’s set-up, which he felt was never quite tweaked to his liking.
But American Racing is a largely English-speaking outfit. And there, he’s been reunited with John Hopkins, the team’s Race Director, and Roberts’ training partner over the winter months. “It’s great to be working with John again – we have a nice rapport there,” he said. “It’s been seamless coming back here. Everything feels just right.”
Roberts spent a good deal of the winter riding a Yamaha R1 on Pirelli tyres and loved it, saying: “I spent bit of time on my R1 on the Pirellis at home. I like the front feeling, I get more turning out of the thing. The rear grip’s good, too.”
It sets Roberts up perfectly for the curtain raiser which comes at one of his favourite tracks. “Qatar obviously has a special place in my heart,” he said. “I have the lap record there. And now we have such a structured plan and there’s no expectation. Considering Jerez isn’t my best track, coming out of here in the top two is pretty solid.”
The test was topped by preseason favourite Fermin Aldeguer, who went under Remy Gardner’s three-year old lap record by three tenths of a second on the final day. The future of the 18-year old is currently the subject of much speculation, as he is repeatedly linked to a spot at Pramac Ducati for 2025. Personal Manager Hector Faubel confirmed to MCN he’s speaking to every MotoGP factory at the moment, but Ducati is the most realistic option. An announcement should come in the next month.
“Finishing first gives me more pressure,” said the man who finished third overall in 2024. “But I like that. My only target is to keep improving, enjoying myself on the bike and going race by race.”
‘I’m super happy with my pace on the softer tyre’