Moto2: Chassis, swingarm, aero work for MV

Last week's private Moto2 test at Barcelona saw a range of new development parts on offer for the new Forward Racing MV Agusta machine.

The team - which has scored points at the last three rounds, including a best of 13th for Dominque Aegerter at Jerez - spent two days working through a range of chassis, swingarm and aerodynamic parts.

Rain on the opening day limited track time but Aegerter completed a total of 154 laps, with team-mate Stefano Manzi managing 77 after a pair of falls.

"We tried many new components including chassis, swingarm and of course different settings," said Aegerter. "We are all focused on the development of this bike and its design. I'm very happy, I've done a lot of laps, and I have good feelings. The project is young, but we are working hard to improve, develop and evolve.

"I would like to thank Forward Racing, CRC [Castiglioni Research Centre] and MV Agusta for all their efforts. In one week, we will be back on track at Mugello and to try to stay in the points zone of course."

"All this work is very important for us to progress with the development of our F2," added Manzi. "I would like to thank the CRC, who were present with us on the circuit to support us on this path."

With the track work complete, wind tunnel testing was next on the agenda before a final decision is made on the aero parts.

"We tried a new chassis, several swingarms and new aerodynamic components," said team manager Milena Koerner. "Unfortunately, the weather wasn't exactly on our side and this didn't help to collect reliable data.

"For these reasons it is not easy to evaluate all the material tested and we will go directly to the wind tunnel to try to analyse the data in even more detail and understand how to proceed.

"Since the [technical] rules allow only one aerodynamic update during the course of the season, we cannot afford to take false steps and we want to be as certain as possible of the results obtained and understand whether to proceed directly in this direction or organise further tests.

"Now we remain focused for the appointment in the wind tunnel and then the first of the two Italian stages of the season: Mugello."

MV Agusta has closed to within one point of NTS at the tail end of the Moto2 constructors' championship.

Following Forward's home event at Mugello this weekend, the Catalunya Moto2 Grand Prix will be held at Barcelona in mid-June.