GP Österreich: DIFFICULT START AT THE RED BULL RING
Stefan Bradl endured a eventful Friday at the comeback of Austrian round on world series level.
The weather doesn’t really been good with the assets at the Austrian round in Styria the last days. First heavy rain shower did affect the pre event in Graz on Wednesday and since then temperatures were much too cold for this season. Friday’s on track action at the 4.3 kilometres long Red Bull Ring close to the small city of Zeltweg got underway with less than ten degrees. For this reason, the 26-year-old Brald, who unfortunate had to sit out a two-day test in Austria three weeks ago due to injury, saw himself starting into the weekend in difficult circumstances. However, for the remaining the forecasts sees improving weather conditions for the area in southern Austria.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P20 – 1´28.761 (7/18) / FP2: P20 – 1´26.149 (22/22):
“It was definitely not an easy day for us today. This much too low temperatures didn’t help me to adapt and gain confidence for this new track, particularly as I didn’t a single aboard a MotoGP bike here. Beyond that, this morning’s crash didn’t make things easier. The front wheel came off the ground and as soon as it came down, the front folded. Fortunately, I didn’t hurt myself during this high speed crash. But during FP2 in the afternoon I gradually found my pace. Hopefully the weather might improve tomorrow and that will help us a lot for sure.”
MotoGP™ Combined Practice Times:
1 #4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´23.617 (FP2)
2 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´23.855 +0.238 (FP2)
3 #25 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 1´24.471 +0.854 (FP2)
20 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´26.149 +2.532 (FP2)