Jerez test produces promise of superb 18th Rookies Cup season

Beautiful sunshine and ultra-rapid track action in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup preseason test at Jerez has sparked the expectation of a sensational 18th season for the breading ground of World Champions.

26 of the world's fastest teenagers, 15 of them new to the Moto3 spec KTMs, made full use of the 2 beautiful days on the same circuit that they will use for the first race weekend of the year at the end of the month.

Switching to Pirelli tyres gave even those who are in their 3rd year something to think about and perhaps helped compress the spread of lap times as the Cup looks forward to 14 races at 7 Grand Prix venues.

Gustl Auinger – Rider Coach

“We have had a really great test, we are always amazed at how quickly the new riders get up to speed but I think that is true this year more than ever. I don't know why, it could have something to do with the age limit moving up but the guys are very serious, they are listening to what we say and doing a great job.”

I am impressed with the professional attitude of our lads, it's going to be a great, very competitive, close season.

Rider Coach Gust Auinger
© Red Bull Media House

Dani Ribalta – Rider Coach

“It's been a very good test, an intense two days, we are happy with the tyres, the guys found that they could go well on the used tyres and that's important of course, important for safety.”

We had good pace and hardly any crashes.

"We had a few at the end of the day today because the wind became quite strong as the guys were getting tired but it was not too much, most handled it very well."

Dani Ribalta - Rider Coach
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Álvaro Carpe

“I've got a super good feeling with my KTM,” enthused the 16-year-old Spaniard who was a very strong 2nd in the Cup last year, his debut season. “I'm very happy with the lap time and we are ready for the first race. I think the tyres are very good and I'm excited about the season.”

“It was a great test with a great result in the end. We did a lot of work because yesterday and this morning I was not happy with the bike at all.”

We improved a lot and even though the last sessions were very windy I still did my best times.
#83 ÁLVARO CARPE

“When we come back for the race there is still a bit of work to do and improvements we can make but this has been a great start.”

Alvaro Carpe testing in Jerez 2024
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Rico Salmela

“I feel incredible, super happy with the test,” grinned the normally reserved 16-year-old Finn who starts his 3rd Cup season. “I have changed my riding style quite a bit, I am more aggressive, less concerned with being smooth, more stop and go, late on brakes, early on the gas and I know it is faster.”

“We made some changes with the bike and it feels super good, three changes or so getting the front to work better.”

We are in a good position but I know we will still be working when we come back for the race.
#27 RICO SALMELA

Rico Samela getting low at the Rookies Test in Jerez 2024
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Milan Pawelec

The first Rookie from Poland shrugged off the responsibility of joining the Cup. “I love being here, it is a great experience from the start. I am really enjoying the KTM. Of course, it is different to the superbike that I rode last year but I am still finding that experience very useful.”

I was learning the bike of course and we made quite a few changes and improved the front quite a lot.
#44 MILAN PAWELEC

“I know that I've got to watch my weight this year, I need to be fast and now I don't have a big superbike to pull me round,” added the 17-year-old with a laugh.

Milan Pawelec racing at the Rookies Cup Test in Jerez 2024
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Carter Thompson

“I'm happy to be back on the Rookies Cup bike,” explained the 16-year-old Australian who begins his 2nd season. “It took a while to get up to speed again but I got quicker and quicker through the two days, I am happy now.”

“We changed some things on the bike and made a good step forward I think, it's a track I really enjoy, a great variety of corners.”

There is more we can do when we come back for the race but it's a very good start.
#50 CARTER THOMPSON

Carter Thompson in the pit of Jerez - Rookies Cup Test 2024
© Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool

Guido Pini

“It's been a very good test,” stated the 16-year-old Italian who is in his 2nd year as a Rookie. “I banged my arm today when I fell but it is nothing serious. I am enjoying the Pirellis, I think they are fast, we have to learn about how long the grip lasts and how to make the best use of them.”