After some difficulties first, Stefan Bradl returned to his speed in time for the qualifying session Saturday afternoon.
After a rainy Friday, weather conditions improved for day two of practice at the Sachsenring. The paddock was welcomed in bright skies this morning. Thanks to the improved track condition teams and rider were able to start their work the setting in a proper way to prepare for the grid deciding timed session. However, it took a while for Bradl and his crew to find the right path in terms of electronics.
The last race before the summer break is scheduled for Sunday with starting time at 2:00 pm. But the riders have to deal with demanding 29 laps at the tight and twisty German circuit.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 17th – 1´22.493 (8/9):
“First we struggled a bit today because the bike we decided to use was slightly different the one I rode yesterday so it cost some time to line up it with our standard configuration. But fortunately we were able to improve traction during FP4 which is the main area where we need further improvements for this track. During qualifying I was able to push and I think 17th spot on the grid is ok although I hoped to do better for sure. Hopefully the weather will not go crazy on race day even the forecast isn’t positive at all. The Sachsenring is a rather difficult track when the conditions are not perfect.”MotoGP™ Qualifying Classification:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´21.160
2 #8 Hector BARBERA / SPA / Avintia Racing / Ducati / 1´21.572 +0.412
3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´21.666 +0.506
17 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´22.493 +1.333
Constantly changing weather conditions were the reason for shortened practice sessions on Friday in Germany.
Again and again, some drizzle rain and chilly temperatures has made the track’s condition at the twisty Sachsenring difficult to evaluate and furthermore to set up the bike for the 3.6 kilometres long German circuit in a proper way. Although, it’s the first time that for the still all-new Aprilia RS-GP prototype to race at the Sachsenring. An even bigger task for Bradl and his crew to prepare for Sunday’s ninth race of this season.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P15 – 1´25.418 (5/6) / FP2: P18 – 1´24.116 (13/15):
“This was once again an odd day. The weather has made things difficult, particularly during FP1 this morning. At the time as it started to rain, I crashed in turn 11 where many other riders crashed too. Fortunately, I escaped unhurt. Conditions improved a bit for the second session, but we started with a setting which turned out not to be effective. We made some changes to the rear of the bike in one direction but without finding any great benefits and then towards the end of the session we went back to a configuration we know better. The feeling improved, but unfortunately we ran out of time as the session was over by that time. Hopefully the forecasted better weather for tomorrow will allow us to continue working in this direction which seems to be capable of bringing good results.”MotoGP™ Combined Free Practice Times:
1 #25 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 1´22.161 (FP2)
2 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´22.381 +0.220 (FP2)
3 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´22.775 +0.614 (FP2)
18 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´24.116 +1.955 (FP2)
It isn’t anything new for the 26-year-old factory rider in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini to race at the Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland but after Bradl had to sit out last year’s edition due to a hand injury he is unequally more excited for his home race this time.
Stefan Bradl copes the busy time schedule due to the unusually high number of side events throughout the weekend year by year very well. However, given the fact that he didn’t ride any laps aboard his Aprilia RS-GP at the twisty Sachsenring thus far, it provides some additional excitement ahead of the main race in perspective of the Bavarian MotoGP rider.
The Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland at the legendary Sachsenring is the biggest event in motorsport in Germany since years. Spectators with numbers more than 200.000 (!) every year underline this fact very clearly. At just 3.6 kilometres length it’s the shortest circuit in the current championship calendar. 13 corners in total at the rollercoaster track provide an outstanding spectacle on two wheels.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – World Championship position 12th (37 points):
“My home race at the Sachsenring is always something special of course. Many fans and friends will come to support me. Despite that fact that the twisty Sachsenring doesn’t count to my favourites, tension and excitement is every time even more. In particular, this year as I missed the race 2015 due to an injury and then the adventure with Aprilia began. I hope that my RS-GP will cope with the characteristics of this unique track well. A good result is within our potential and, all things considered, it would be especially satisfying for me.”MotoGP™ Zeitplan beim Motorrad GP Deutschland (CET):
Freitag, 15. Juli: 09:55 – 10:40 FP1
Freitag, 15. Juli: 14:05 – 14:50 FP2
Samstag, 16. Juli: 09:55 – 10:40 FP3
Samstag, 16. Juli 13:30 – 14:00 FP4
Samstag, 16. Juli 14:10 – 14:25 QP1
Samstag, 16. Juli 14.35 – 14:50 QP2
Sonntag, 17. Juli: 09:40 – 10:00 Warm Up
Sonntag, 17. Juli 14:00 Rennen (30 Runden – 110,1 km)
Daten Sachsenring:
Erstmals Schauplatz des Motorrad GP Deutschland: 1998
Streckenlänge: 3.671 Meter
Streckenbreite: 12 Meter
Längste Gerade: 700 Meter
Linkskurven: 10
Rechtskurven: 3
Beste MotoGP™ Pole-Position: 1´20.336 (2015)
MotoGP™ Rundenrekord: 1´21.530 (2015)
Stefan Bradl‘s Resultate 2015: Startplatz – / -
MotoGP™ WM-Stand 2016:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 145
2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 121
3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 103
12 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 37
Stefan Bradl handed in a considerable performance during Sunday’s race in extremely difficult conditions at the TT Circuit in Assen.
Race day for the series’ round eight began under bright skies but with relatively cool temperatures. However, till MotoGP starting time at 2.00 pm dark clouds appeared and it didn’t take long time, it started to rain. The race got underway in wet conditions. Meanwhile, the rain has been less but shortly before halfway stage it changed to torrential downpours. The race direction decided immediately to stop the race by red flags due to safety reasons. As soon the torrential rain shower subsided again, the TT Assen was re-started after a short break with distance of 12 laps at th 4.5 kilometres long track.
For Stefan Bradl the two races of the day proved different. Whilst the factory rider in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini found his way in difficult condition during the first part he was forced to change the bike for the re-start. Electronic problems required this action. Anyway, the second bike’s setting wasn’t at the same level as the other one so Bradl run into problems to find a feeling and a rhythm for the conditions at all.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 8th (World Championship position 12th, 37 points):
“The first race was ok overall. I was able to find a good feeling with the tyres and for the conditions. Yes, I was racing a good pace. But it was the correct decision by the race direction to stop the race. However, during the break we suffered an electronic problem as we couldn’t read the data from the bike so we decided to race with the second bike at the re-startfor safety reasons. But for this one the geometry was different as well the electronic setting didn’t suite the conditions. But I always tried and did my best to see the flag and collect as possible points. Unfortunate, it was again the confirmation that our second bike isn’t at the same level as the number one. In respect to the setting we were far off. It’s a pity that I wasn’t able to performance likewise during the first part. Nevertheless, an eight place isn’t too bad. We came home in a good position, particularly in respect to these circumstances and we collected important points. However, things throughout the entire weekend went difficult. We struggled with a lot of electronic problems which wasn’t normal. About this fact I’m a bit angry and I hope that we’re able to better the situation for the Sachsenring race. Particularly, this weekend we did a step back instead forward.”MotoGP™ TT Assen – Race Classification after 12 Laps:
1 #43 Jack MILLER / AUS / Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS / Honda / 22´17.447
2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +1.991
3 #45 Scott REDDING / GBR / OCTO Pramac Yakhnich / Ducati / +5.906
8 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +23.603MotoGP™ World Standings:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 145
2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 121-
3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 103
12 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 37
Next race: 17 July, Sachsenring, Hohenstein-Ernstthal / Germany
A small crash during this afternoon’s FP4 affected somehow Stefan Bradl for the timed session.
Day two of practice at the historic TT Assen was accompanied by unpredictable and changeable weather. Obviously it’s nothing new for teams and riders but this typical conditions for the northern part of the Netherlands played its role once again. Whilst this morning’s FP3 took place in dry conditions mostly, a short rain shower earlier this afternoon was the reason for the first wet session this weekend. Stefan Bradl was one of many victims due to the massively changed condition to crash when he lost the front so he was forced to use his spare bike for QP1 but the setting of this bike wasn’t prepared properly. The 26-year-old Aprilia rider will start into tomorrow’s race from the eight row.
During the long history of the Dutch TT, race day was in the past traditionally Saturday. But from the 2016 edition onwards time schedule has been changed to the more usual one with starting time for the MotoGP race on Sunday at 2:00pm.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 18th – 1´49.685 (7/8):
“The weather was once again very typical for Assen today. The track wasn’t completely wet but also still damp so we weren’t able to go out with slick tyres. However, the feeling with rain tyres also wasn’t at its best. Unfortunate, I had to report a harmless low-sider during FP4 as I lost the front. This circumstances reduced our conditions for qualifying in advance because I was forced to use the second bike. But in any case we were able to use this short session to our utmost as we improved significantly. We made progress but even not enough to qualify more towards the front.”MotoGP™ Qualifying Classification:
1 #4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´45.246
2 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´45.961 +0.715
3 #45 Scott REDDING / GBR / OCTO Pramac Yakhnich / Ducati / 1´46.312 +1.066
18 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´49.892 +4.646
Stefan Bradl wasn’t entirely happy with his results after the first practice sessions in Assen as some trails in respect to electronic configurations were costly in terms of valuable track time.
The weather is always an unknown factor in the northern part of the Netherlands. Heavy overnight rain from Thursday to Friday early morning was the reason for not perfect track conditions this morning when the first free practice session got underway. For this reason, Bradl and his crew in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini started their tasks with some tests to the electronic but which didn’t bring the hoped steps forward. So after a change back to the base setting, which was done for FP2 in the afternoon, Bradl felt comfortable with his factory Aprilia RS-GP again.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P20 – 1´36.283 (16/16) / FP2: P17 – 1´35.056 (16/19):
“This morning we tried a different electronic configuration for the throttle management but this didn’t give me a good feeling so for the second session we went back to our standard base in this respect. At least towards the end of FP2 we were able to put in some good laps. So for this reason, I can’t be 100 percent satisfied because we still have some room to work. But I’m not too worried, because in terms of the chassis, our RS-GP is working well. We just still lack a bit of agility during the fast changes of direction which are so typical for Assen and critical for lap times. In any case, I’m confident that we’ll manage to find the proper setting for this in order to be faster tomorrow morning.”MotoGP™ Combined Free Practice Times:
1 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´33.591 (FP2)
2 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´33.595 +0.004 (FP2)
3 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´33.724 +0.133 (FP2)
17 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´35.056 +1.465 (FP2)
After a productive test and the almost three weeks break, Stefan Bradl heads into this weekend’s grand prix in the Netherlands in positive mood.
The official post-race test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya went well for Bradl and his crew in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini although the main task was to test and evaluate new types of tyres brought by Michelin for this test. But Bradl also found time to test several different settings to his Aprilia RS-GP which has brought some interesting findings for him. Not only for this reason, the 26-year-old German MotoGP Rider look forward to this year’s edition of the historic TT Assen to exploit the potential of his package as best he can.
The TT Assen in the northern part of the Netherlands owns the longest tradition in grand prix racing. Since the introduction of the FIM World Championship back in 1949, the event is a permanent entry to the calendar. But for this year’s edition, the TT Assen offers a massive change to its time schedule as the races held on Sunday for the very first time after Saturday was race day in the past.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – World Championship position 13th (29 points):
“This longer break was a welcome opportunity to relax and re-charge energy after a demanding first third of the season. The official test after the Barcelona race has brought a lot of findings in respect to the bike’s settings however we spent a lot of time to try and evaluate new tyres too. But it’s not clear for now if we’re able to work in the direction we found in Barcelona because the track’s characteristics in Assen is completely different, in particular it’s very special due to its fast and flowing parts with still some awesome banked corners. However, I look forward to the race in Holland even though memories to last year aren’t so nice because of crash during the race when I suffered a broken scaphoid. But this is history meanwhile and I head into this weekend with a completely different feeling. As said, the TT Circuit is very particularly, it’s completely different to that circuits where we raced last time in Mugello and Barcelona. In Assen it takes a completely different setup. Anyway, I like the circuit and I’m looking forward to this race because many fans coming from Germany to watch us. Hopefully the weather is good because it’s changeable many times in Holland. The goal for this weekend is to exploit the characteristics of our RS-GP as best we can.”MotoGP™ Zeitplan bei der TT Assen (CET):
Freitag, 24. Juni: 09:55 – 10:40 FP1
Freitag, 24. Juni: 14:05 – 14:50 FP2
Samstag, 25. Juni: 09:55 – 10:40 FP3
Samstag, 25. Juni 13:30 – 14:00 FP4
Samstag, 25. Juni 14:10 – 14:25 QP1
Samstag, 25. Juni 14.35 – 14:50 QP2
Sonntag, 26. Juni: 09:40 – 10:00 Warm Up
Sonntag, 26. Juni 14:00 Rennen (26 Runden – 118,1 km)
Daten TT Circuit Assen:
Erstmals Schauplatz der TT Assen (vormals Dutch TT): seit 1949
Streckenlänge: 4.542 Meter
Streckenbreite: 14 Meter
Längste Gerade: 487 Meter
Linkskurven: 6
Rechtskurven: 12
Beste MotoGP™ Pole-Position: 1´32.627 (2015)
MotoGP™ Rundenrekord: 1´33.617 (2015)
Stefan Bradl‘s Resultate 2015: Startplatz 13 / DNF
MotoGP™ WM-Stand 2016:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 125
2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 115
3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 103
13 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 29
It was a hard race for Stefan Bradl to find his speed this Sunday at round seven in Barcelona however he wasn’t entirely pleased about his sixth successive points scoring finish.
Thanks to nice weather at the time of the race, conditions were indeed good but the combination between the track’s surface characteristics and the tyres were for Bradl and his crew in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini an almost invincible obstacle in terms to set up the bike in a proper way. The 26-year-old factory rider in Aprilia reported after the race about too much wheel spinning which significantly affected his speed throughout the gruelling 25 laps distance.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 12th (World Championship position 13th, 25 points):
“It was a difficult weekend for all of us. I think, there is no need to talk about why. To find the motivation and ambition after the tragically crash of Luis wasn’t an easy task. In a situation like this, you realize how quickly everything else moves to the background. At this point I would like to express my deepest condolences to Luis’ family and his team. I wish them the strength they need in this sad time. But we raced today, with Luis in our mind. My race itself was nothing special. The position was ok and we collected important points. But we struggled with too much wheel spin and even with massive grip problems. My team mate mastered it much better. Honestly speaking I’m a bit upset that he was so much better than me. We must analyse all data in detail and think about what has made the difference today. Anyway, little things caused a big difference. In addition, Alvaro (Bautista) was able to race a consistent higher pace throughout the distance. We must push ourselves even more in order to avoid something like this in the future. It is difficult to say if our test tomorrow will bring some useful findings in this respect because grip level will be similar to today and also due to the rapidly dropping tyres it it is difficult to feeling differences for changes that were made to the bike. In any case, every single lap will help to make progress with our still young project. I think, the two weeks break till the Assen race will be good for everyone to cope this weekend and to get some distance and then to be full again in the matter.”MotoGP™ Gran Premi de Catalunya – Race Classification:
1 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 44´37.589
2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +2.652
3 #26 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +6.313
12 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +55.133MotoGP™ World Standings:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 125
2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 115
3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 103
13 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 29
Next race: 26 June, TT Circuit, Assen / Netherlands
Stefan Bradl wasn’t unhappy after he qualified for P18 on the grid because changes to the setting proved as positive.
But the atmosphere at round seven is still marred after the tragic loss of Spanish Moto2 rider Luis Salom. Salom had a crash during Friday afternoon’s FP3 when he lost control about his machine in entry to turn 12 and slipped in the same direction as the bike. He had no chance to react or do anything else to avoid to clash with the bike which was thrown back after its impact to the airfences. The entire MotoGP community is in deepest sorrow with Salom’s family and the Spanish SAG Team.
As an immediate measure after this terrible accident, the track’s layout is revised now which see also motorcycle racing to use the two chicanes in the last sector which are already used for car racing since years. So for this turn 12 is substantially mitigated. But for the entire MotoGP grid does it mean that they had to start almost from scratch to set up their bikes for the Barcelona circuit. In case of Stefan Bradl and his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini it was far more as the 2016 prototype of the factory’s Aprilia RS-GP is to race for the very first time in Catalunya this weekend. However, teams and riders had an extend FP3 session with 60 minutes this morning in order to adapt to the changed situation out on track. Bradl and his crew were able to use this session to its utmost and also FP4 after lunch time was a welcome opportunity for them to work on the electronic and gearing.
During qualifying practice, however, it was confirmed what was already evident on Friday. Because of the track characteristics in Barcelona and the summer temperatures, tyre management during the race will be the main task to deal with on Sunday. But apart from that, Bradl succeeded to improve his feeling with the bike and for the conditions.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 18th – 1´45.892 (7/7):
“Even though it’s not seen at first but we improved compared to yesterday. Not so much in the standings but foremost the changes we made are taking us in the right direction. So for this I’m definitely more confident for tomorrow. We found out some advantages with the hard front tyre thanks to some tests during FP4, gaining more stability. But tyre management will definitely the main concern during the race. We tried many different things to make it easier to look at them but 25 laps tomorrow will be rather demanding. The situation should be similar for everyone. We will need to find a way to conserve the tyres as much as possible. It will be an interesting race day anyway.”MotoGP™ Qualifying Classification:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´43.589
2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´44.056 +0.467
3 #26 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´44.307 +0.718
18 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´45.892 +2.306
Stefan Bradl and his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini look forward in ambitious mood to this weekend’s round seven thanks to a quickly scheduled test earlier this week in Misano.
That said test took place earlier this week at the Italian track in Misano. The 26-year-old factory rider in Aprilia and his engineers were mainly working on some new chassis solutions that help to increase the grip and stability on the rear of the team’s all-new 2016 prototype. In respect to the electronics the team tried several tests on the engine management and shifting strategies, a phase that amplifies movements, generating instability. But above all, Bradl and his crew took advantage to collect valuable data for the San Marino Grand Prix in September. But most important, they also hope to take benefit from this test already this weekend in Barcelona where the track is an important test bench in respect to the further development of the still young project.
Since 1995, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is the home of the Catalan round. Starting time for the seventh points haul is scheduled for Sunday 2:00 pm with a distance of 25 laps at the 4.7 kilometres long track.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – World Championship position 13th (25 points):
“Catalunya is a great track, where we need to get back to our level. During the last two race we learned a lot, accumulating experience on the RS-GP, so I expect to start from a better base in Barcelona that we can build on throughout the weekend. Usually temperatures are very high for this race, another fact that we must take into consideration. During the Misano test we tried various new settings, collecting data that will definitely be useful this weekend at this challenging circuit.”MotoGP™ Time Schedule at the GP Catalunya (CET):
Freitag, 3. Juni: 09:55 – 10:40 FP1
Freitag, 3. Juni: 14:05 – 14:50 FP2
Samstag, 4. Juni: 09:55 – 10:40 FP3
Samstag, 4. Juni 13:30 – 14:00 FP4
Samstag, 4. Juni 14:10 – 14:25 QP1
Samstag, 4. Juni 14.35 – 14:50 QP2
Sonntag, 5. Juni: 09:40 – 10:00 Warm Up
Sonntag, 5. Juni 14:00 Rennen (25 Runden – 118,2 km)
Facts Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya:
Schauplatz des GP de Catalunya: seit 1995
Streckenlänge: 4.727 Meter
Streckenbreite: 14 Meter
Längste Gerade: 1.047 Meter
Linkskurven: 5
Rechtskurven: 8
Beste MotoGP™ Pole-Position: 1´40.546 (2015)
MotoGP™ Rundenrekord: 1´42.182 (2014)
Stefan Bradl‘s Resultate 2015: Startplatz 15 / 8.
MotoGP™ World Standings:
1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 115
2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 105
3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 78
13 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 25
