Talmacsi eager for results of Spain test

Gabor Talmacsi believes he will only know how his new Aprilia RSA stacks up against his FIM 250cc World Championship rivals after the final pre-season test of the year at the Jerez circuit in Spain later this month.

The former 125cc champion first must attend next week's test session at Estoril in Portugal but Talmacsi believes the results of that meeting will be inconclusive.

"It's still early to see how quick we are able to go," said the Hungarian.

"I suppose that in Jerez, when all the 250cc riders will get on track, is when we will be able to see what level we are at and to what we can aspire."

He added: "I am really looking forward to Estoril, because the countdown to the new season has really started.

"I will be giving my all to see if I am ready to go yet. I'm hoping for a good start to the season, as Qatar is one of my favourite tracks."