News

As he heads into his first season as defending FIM Supersport World Champion, Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) began his pre-season testing feeling happy with the pace of his YZF-R6.

Heading to a windy Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, the Frenchman struggled to compare his pre-season pace to what he expects in 2018, due to the weather conditions. Despite this set back, he feels comfortable with his bike and explains he had very little to change on the Yamaha. Using the two days to settle back into riding the bike and working with the team, he looks forward to continuing to improve on the bike ahead of Phillip Island.

Mahias explains: “I have started the test in Portimao which is a difficult track to start back after three months off. A day back on track is very difficult for the muscles and the body, but today has been good and it’s been a good test. There has been a lot of wind on track but I am happy with how the bike has improved. I am more confident with the feeling on the bike, and the mechanics have improved the bike, so I am happy.

I have not changed a lot of parts or much of the setting, but for me the first day of the test is about restarting the physical part of you. For me and the mechanics it’s hard to restart and today is about restarting and adjust the setting.

I am confident for Phillip Island but it’s a completely different track, there is not as much wind in Australia. Portimao is difficult, as it’s not very cold but not the same temperature as the race, but the problem is the wind.”

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