Progressive AFT - News - Jared Mees, Brad Baker, and Marc Márquez prepare for short-track battle in Barcelona

Jared Mees, Brad Baker, and Marc Márquez prepare for short-track battle in Barcelona

December 11, 2015

BARCELONA, Spain (Dec. 10, 2015) - Spain’s Rufea circuit was the scene today of final preparations for Superprestigio Dirt Track III. On Friday, the riders will move to the Palau Sant Jordi Arena in Barcelona, where they will practice for Saturday’s race.

Two-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez and three-time and reigning AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Jared Mees surprised their rivals by swapping bikes and comparing setups.

Former AMA Pro GNC champ Brad Baker later joined Márquez and Mees and the three completed several laps together.

“This discipline is getting more and more recognition in our country,” Márquez said. “I’m looking forward to a great battle with my two US friends. No matter what happens, the important thing is to enjoy and ensure a great show.”

Baker said a great show on Saturday night is guaranteed. “We are very competitive but the riding is clean, and that’s unique. Everybody is waiting to see the three of us in the SuperFinal.”

Mees agreed. “A final battle with Brad and Marc would be great. The ambiance in the Superprestigio is fantastic, and the Spanish crowd is so good. I’m hoping for an even better show than last year.”

Márquez won last December’s event, and Mees was second. Baker topped the January, 2014, edition.

Japanese drifting specialist Masatoshi Ohmori drew applause from bystanders at Rufea with his stunning slides. Moto3 rider María Herrera, who is making her Superprestigio Dirt Track debut, also participated in the test.

“Dirt-track is a discipline I admire and use for practice,” Herrera said. “This track feels like it has more grip, and the clay in the Palau Sant Jordi may be even more grippy.”

Opening ceremonies for Superprestigio Dirt Track III from Barcelona, Spain, begin at 12 noon EST on FansChoice.tv. Seven-time AMA Pro Grand National Champion Chris Carr, along with World Superbike announcer Gregory Haines, will call the action.