Carlos Checa has been a regular fixture at the top section of the timesheets during the winter, but a crash during a hot lap meant a trip to hospital and no further progress from eleventh position. Fortunately no serious harm was done and the Spaniard will be fine for the opening race of the season later this month.

Meanwhile, James Ellison has continued to improve his times, although not at the same rate as the other riders. Qualifying tyres have been a difficulty for the Brit, who is barely improving on his normal times with the extra sticky rubber.

The one remaining question mark over the Tech 3 team is the performance of their Dunlop tyres over a race distance. Checa certainly looks capable of qualifying well, but what is not yet known is if the Dunlops will be able to compete with Bridgestone and Michelin runners as races are coming to a close.

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