Impressions of Moscow Raceway: pilot's opinions are divided

Vladimir Leonov, "Yakhnich Motorsport"

"The track is very hard, a lot of turns - riding constantly in slope, always in the fast resurfacing. Serious problem with the tires - the track is new, not yet cleared, no riding  "STICK" and everybody are very worried about the race. Race distance 25 laps, and the tire effective operation is enough only for eight laps. The end of the race can be difficult - because of the tire run-out that significantly reduces the pilot rate, but increases the possibility of falling. If it will rain, it will be more difficult - in fact it will be the lottery: who will cross the finish line. Even without rain, during cool weather the new track will be slippery.

The stage is interesting in that the track is new for all riders. It much depends on the experience, how quickly the pilots are able to recognize and adapt to the track. Now all are riding very close - top five, all others close to them. Those pilots who were not quick on the other tracks, now in the top 15 - maybe they like the track, but maybe they have found the settings. There will not be large breakaway in qualification, and in the race, of course, will «strech» on groups. The leaders of all, I think, will remain the same seven or eight riders who are compete all season. Results of all others will depend on the settings and on stability of circle passing.

There are many difficult places on the track. First sector is very difficult - now I lose a few «tenths» there. We need to work on it - to find the lost time. It will be difficult to overtake because of the abundance of slow curves, where is theonly  trajectory, a lot of turns on the track. Overtaking is not easy, but possible. I think it will be a lot of overtaking at the end of the line in the slip-stream in slow bunches, where all will go close to each other. Besides there are a lot of places where it's easy to make a mistake that will help rival to overtake. The main thing is that the Moscow Raceway is not like any European tracks. Perhaps like English track. "

Sergei Vlasov, "Yakhnich Motorsport"

"The track is technical, very interesting. Lack of high-speed turns, that is not typical for motoracing tracks – it will be physically difficult for the pilots to drive, especially in the race with a lot of laps. During the rain it should be easier - the speed will be lower. Track coverage is good, except that it is not enough "STICK", but it is a matter of time. The track is very good, world-class, except the lack of high-speed turns. Rather unique track for WSBK calendar, specific on it's character. There are couple places with blind turns; there are jumps, where briefly take off over the track. It is very difficult to be away from rivals. "

 

Dakota Mamola, "Yakhnich Motorsport"

«I like the track - interesting, not easy, it needs to understand and learn. It is easy for me, because I, along with all must learn the Moscow Raceway from a scratch. I think we all would like to work more on the track to find the best braking points, the ideal speed for cornering. Track is very different - there are fast and slow turns, ups and downs - I really like. I have chased in Spain and in UK and the track in Moscow reminds me of English track, very bold and interesting. I think it will be a very exciting weekend. Pilots are close in speed, the weather changes, so that the fans would be interested. Unfortunately, I do not think there will be a lot of overtaking - on the track qualification position is very important: if you start the race from the front row, you'll be able to come off and defend the position, but to rise up from rear position will be very difficult.

Separately, I would like to thank the stage organizers from "Yakhnich" team, they did the great job - the stage WSBK prepared perfectly, there is no feeling that this is the first race. As if such races are held not for the first time. Besides, perfectly prepared track, the European level of the whole weekend. Great job!»