The FTR MOTO team has continued testing of its development Moto2 machine after Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot joined the team for the first day of running in Valencia.

The MT209 ran within Wilairot's Thai Honda PTT SAG team, which will be one of the outfits to compete in the new Moto2 World Championship next season.

Despite cool conditions on track, Wilairot declared himself happy with the FTR chassis after completing 17 laps over the course of the day.

“Obviously the machine is very different to a 250cc machine so it took a few laps to get a comfortable feeling,” Wilairot said. “Once I was used to the engine braking I was happy and I wanted to push harder but the cold track conditions didn't allow for that.

“The feel from the engine was similar to my original race machine in Thailand, from when I first started racing, so I did have something to compare to. Overall I am really pleased to be one of the first privileged riders to test with a Moto2 machine and I'd like to thank the team and FTR for giving me such an opportunity.”

FTR director Steve Bones was also happy with the day's running.

“The development of the FTR machine has again moved forward with Wilairot's test,” he said, “and even after just a handful of days running the prototype machine we're getting really good feedback from the teams and riders and making a lot of progress.”

Testing continues today at Valencia with the Thai Honda PTT SAG team's seven-time GP race winner Hector Faubel making his debut on the FTR M209.