Yamaha Tech 3 rider Jonas Folger was the quickest of the new kids on the block as 2017 testing began. The German was seventh on the timesheets with an impressive laptime of 2:00.643 and completed 40 laps of the Malaysian venue.
Folger and teammate Johann Zarco have some experience of the track following a private test at the circuit alongside Movistar Yamaha at the end of 2016, and work focused on setup before attention shifted to the front of the bike. Rain cut work short, but the German is eager to get back out on day 2 to continue the program.
Monster Yamaha Tech3 rookie Jonas Folger put in a strong performance on Day 1 at Sepang securing P7
“Today was positive and I am happy with what we accomplished.” Said Folger “I had a good feeling as soon as we got going this morning, so we only changed a few settings.”
After lunch, the team and I aimed to make a step forward with regards to the front of the bike because I felt like I was already close to the limit with my lap times and we saw that I could improve with the braking.”
“Therefore, we made a big adjustment, but when I went back out, the weather interfered.” He added.
“However, we have two more days left to try this setting properly but overall, I am really happy about today, not only with the result, but also with our work.”
In addition, I was able to ride in the rain for the first time, which was very useful and I felt positive on the wet Michelin tyres.”
“I went out twice and it was important to experience this because it’s different with the brakes. We gained a lot of data and I have started to understand the bike a lot more so I am excited to see what we can do tomorrow.”
