FIM Motocross World Championship rookie Simone Zecchina will get his second bite of the cherry with the Suzuki Europe MX2 team this weekend as he attempts the Grand Prix of Portugal at Agueda on the factory-backed RM-Z250.
The Italian scored points in not only his first outing on the race bike, but also his very first GP moto with 18th position last Sunday at St Jean D'Angely in France.
"I was pretty pleased," evaluated team technical co-ordinator Jens Johansson. "Simone was chucked in at the deep-end. He did not set the world on fire with his speed but he took his time and was consistent. He was actually near the top 10 with some of his laps in the practice sessions and warm-up. He was mature and steady with his riding and that is a good sign for the future. I'm excited to see what he can do this weekend and in Spain."
Zecchina was drafted into the squad to replace the injured Valentin Teillet and has another two races and two weeks to enjoy the pace and power of life at the top of the motocross tree.
"He raced hard for as long as his power and energy would last in France and his lap-times dropped off towards the end of the motos but this is normal for a kid being asked to compete for 40 minutes compared to his usual 25; and at a much higher level," added Johansson.
Agueda will be a different test for the current leader of the European 125cc two-stroke series with the track cut into a relatively shallow gully of a woodland area. While the track doesn't provide the heaviest technical challenge, the speed, jumps and hot weather can still create a very physical test. "Simone doesn't have any reference when it comes to the RM-Z250, having raced a two-stroke this season," says Johansson. "We changed a few things before going to France but actually over the race weekend we didn't alter that much. Maybe in Portugal we can make some tweaks to smoothen the power delivery or hone the engine whichever way he wants.
"I think the goal has to be to chase some points in the first heat - because that's where he will be stronger - and then see what we can get from the second. Overall I'm happy with the rider that he is and what he has to offer. I think he has a future in MX2 GPs."
Decent temperatures and sunshine fill the long-term forecast for round five of 15 in the FIM series.
