The lights went out on the final MotoGP test of the preseason at midnight in Qatar last night, making way for a three-week break ahead of the 2010 curtain raiser at the same circuit. Improved track conditions at Losail led to quicker lap times on the second day of tests and gave an indication of just how close this season promises to be, with a grid full of World Champions in various different categories. Proof of that was the fact that the entire field was separated by just over two seconds last night.

Páginas Amarillas Aspar rider Héctor Barberá left Qatar in satisfied mood – not so much with his overall position but with his lap times and consistency. The Spaniard was one of the busiest riders on track as he racked up a total of 74 laps, improving his best time from the opening day by six tenths of a second and proving equally consistent on new and used rubber. The youngster now feels ready for his premier-class debut with the Páginas Amarillas team as he targets a challenge for the top ten.

Héctor Barberá 1.57.223 (74 laps):
“The evening started really well because I hadn’t been on track long before I started to match my times from the first day. I felt more and more comfortable on the bike and that allowed us to try some different things. It is always a drain on your time and energy because some things work and some don’t. Either way all these tests have enabled me to see things more clearly and understand the bike more. The most important thing about this last session was that I set my best time riding alone. It is also positive that I did so many laps and stayed consistent on new and old tyres. Every time I get on the Ducati I improve a lot, but obviously the level is very high – you can make up ten positions with just half a second. The overall reflection of the preseason is that it was short because six days is not a long time when everything is so new. Anyway, we have met our initial objectives and I think we’re ready for the first race of the year. We have potential and I whilst don’t want to get ahead of myself I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think we could challenge for the top ten.”