GP d’Italia: MORE POINTS THE REWARD FOR ALL THE HARD WORK

It wasn’t an easy task for Stefan Bradl at his team’s home grand prix but in the end he was able to take two hard fought points for the championship. Fantastic weather and sold out grandstands along the 5.2 kilometres Mugello circuit in the Tuscany’s green treed landscape offered a spectacular scene for Sunday’s round six in Italy. However, 26-year-old Bradl wasn’t able to enjoy it fully. After a poor start into the weekend, Bradl and his crew in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini struggled to catch lost ground during Friday’s sessions. At least a change to the bike’s setting worked out for the race so the Aprilia RS-GP prototype’s handling was more equal to his riding style. Thanks to a solid performance during the race, Bradl came home in 14th place to collect two more points to his tally and he hopes now that he and his package is more competitive next time in Barcelona. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 14th (World Championship position 13th, 25 points): “Overall, Mugello was a tough piece of work because we made a poor start into the weekend. We endured a lot of problems and above all, we struggled to find the right path in respect to the changed settings. We hardly could find solutions for this. Finally, we made a modification to the setup in the break after warm up which worked out positively as the bike’s handling was more agile due to this action. I was able to ride more comfortable during the corners. In any case, this was an important step too, to take the right path for the future. However, due to my bad practice sessions I had a simple strategy for the race which saw to start well and to ride clever during the first third of the race. I managed this part well, because I quickly realized that my pace wasn’t fast enough riding alone. In addition, I have to admit that my performance till the final stages of the race was good, I’m pleased with. However, I think it happened with eight laps to go, I lost my tank pad on the left side which is a great help in breaking that you want slide forward. So I can prop up with my legs in order to last more weight on the rear. But for some reasons it got loose till I lost it completely which affected my lap times significantly. This was a pity but honestly speaking, we weren’t as competitive this weekend because we were limited bike wise so we weren’t able do to better this time. Anyway, two points are a little reward for all this hard work and we’ll continue in the same way of course, so that we manage to improve the bike’s setup in Barcelona. Particularly, I think it’s also time to make bigger step in respect to changes to the setting. There have been more significant step done long ago. Apart from all these aspects, the new engine felt good even if our top speed wasn’t convincing.” MotoGP™ Grand Premio d’Italia – Race Classification after 23 Laps: 1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamah / 41´36.535 2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +0.019 3 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / +4.742 14 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +40.094 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 Next race: 5 June, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona / Spain

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GP d’ITALIA: NASTY PROBLEMS TO AFFECT ALL-IMPORTANT QUALIFYING SESSION

Stefan Bradl wasn’t able to make progress as he hoped for though he and his technical crew in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini tried everything possible to fine-tune the bike’s setting. The 26-year-old German MotoGP rider experienced a busy second day of practice at the Gran Premio d’Italia. To find a proper setup for the team’s still all-new prototype Aprilia RS-GP to prove as a big task for Bradl and his crew. Despite many tests throughout the day, they could hardly make steps forward. So for this, Bradl will start from seventh row on the grid for Sunday’s sixth race this season. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 20th – 1´48.646 (7/8): “Obviously it’s a shame that we weren’t able to improve as hoped for. Unfortunate, our main problem is in corner exit and if we try to solve it somehow, then we’re losing stability. This is a really delicate issue or better to say, it’s not easy to find the right compromise despite all these tests we did today in this respect. So for this we must continue to analyse all data carefully. However, we already made a plan for warm up tomorrow morning, to try something different. Of course, today’s qualifying result a huge disappointment but we never will give up, never before the chequered flag.” MotoGP™ Qualifying Classification: 1 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´46.504 2 #25 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR/ Suzuki / 1´46.598 +0.094 3 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´46.607 +0.103 20 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´48.646 +2.142

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GP d’Italia: MANY PROBLEMS AT THE OPENING DAY IN MUGELLO

Stefan Bradl endured a gruelling Friday at the classic round in Italy’s Tuscany region. But first, the German MotoGP rider and his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini didn’t go out on track during this morning’s FP due to useless track conditions. After heavy thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and more overnight rain shower, the 5.2 kilometres long circuit did dry out just slowly. Although sunny skies in afternoon couldn’t bring a smile in Bradl’s face because he and his crew weren’t able to set up the Aprilia RS-GP in proper way for the technical Italian track. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: – / FP2: P21 – 1´50.368 (5/17): “It was a complicated start into the weekend. Honestly speaking, I didn’t expect this. It began all with the first session for which we decided to stay in garage and wait and see how conditions will change. In the end, track conditions remained damp for the entire session so it wouldn’t have brought any informative results. But FP2 in the afternoon was a nightmare as I wasn’t able to find my usual feeling with the bike. In particular, it was the front I struggled with and there were too much movement in corner exit. So we now face a lot of work till tomorrow but we immediately sit down with all our engineers in order to analyse all data from today, trying to resolve the situation so that we can improve tomorrow.” MotoGP™ Combined Practice Times: 1 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´47.696 (FP2) 2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´48.157 +0.461 (FP2) 3 #51 Michele PIRRO / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´48.245 +0.549 (FP2) 21 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´50.368 +2.672 (FP2)

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GP d’ITALIA: FIRST HOME RACE FOR STEFAN BRADL AND HIS APRILIA RACING TEAM GRESINI

This weekend’s round six at the picturesque Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello is truly an exciting event for the 26-year-old German MotoGP rider. On the one hand, the Gran Premio d’Italia is the first of two championship rounds on Italian sole. So it’s a home round for Bradl and his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini. On the other hand, the championship visits to the Tuscany region in Italy is highly welcomed by all riders and teams. The Mugello race weekend has become a real classic event long ago. But most of all, Bradl is looking forward to round six for different reason as the engineers in Aprilia has announced that they will bring new development parts for the team’s 2016 prototype of the Aprilia RS-GP. Since 1992, Mugello is the venue for the Gran Premio d’Italia and since then it’s a really awesome spectacle for which all riders as well the fans are look forward alike. The 5,2 kilometres long circuit at the amazing Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello is located in a valley, surrounded by the picturesque Tuscany landscape but the track itself offers its charms themselves too. Starting time for the Italian classic is scheduled for Sunday, 2 pm with a distance of 23 laps at the fast and flowing Mugello circuit. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – World Championship position 12th (23 points): “It’s a lot of fun to ride in Mugello every time. The circuit is fantastic. However, I’m most impressed by the atmosphere during the race weekend as well the Italian fans are very welcoming. In terms of the track’s layout it offers everything you need: fast changes in direction, elevation changes including fast and flowing corner and a very long straight. But Mugello is for another reason a very important race for us: it’s the first of two home rounds for our team. So this means that there are all eyes set on us. But I’m pretty confident that we manage it well to stay calm and focussed that we’ll continue to demonstrate that we and our package’s potential is growing. In addition, Aprilia has announced that we’ll receive some new parts this weekend. I think, that we’ll be able to make the next steps with it which would be even greater to achieve that in our home race.” MotoGP™ Time Schedule for the GP d’Italia (CET): Friday, 20 May: 09:55 – 10:40 FP1 Friday, 20 May: 14:05 – 14:50 FP2 Saturday, 21 May: 09:55 – 10:40 FP3 Saturday, 21 May: 13:30 – 14:00 FP4 Saturday, 21 May: 14:10 – 14:25 QP1 Saturday, 21 May: 14.35 – 14:50 QP2 Sunday, 22 May: 09:40 – 10:00 Warm Up Sunday, 22 May: 14:00 Race (23 Laps – 120,6 km) Facts Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello: First time venue for the GP d’Italia: since 1992 Length: 5.245 meters Width: 14 meters Longest Straight: 1.141 meters Left corners: 6 Right corners: 9 Best MotoGP™ Pole-Position: 1´46.489 (2015) MotoGP™ Lap record: 1´47.639 (2013) Stefan Bradl‘s Results 2015: Grid Position 16 / DNF MotoGP™ World Standings: 1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 90 2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 85 3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 78 12 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 23

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GP France: GOOD RESULT, NOT AS GOOD RACE

Finishing in tenth position in this Sunday’s round five at the historic Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans, Stefan Bradl scored an important result and valuable six points for the championship. After such a difficult weekend in France, the 26-year-old German factory rider in Aprilia was happy about the result though he was less pleased how the race went. But most of all Bradl was upset about an incident with Spaniard rider Hector Barbara in which the brake lever was affected due to this collision. However, the entire package with Bradl and the still all-new 2016 prototype of the Aprilia RS-GP weren’t as competitive after a change to the bike’s setting didn’t bring the improvement for which the team was looking. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 10th (World Championship position 12th, 23 points): “At the end of the day, P10 is an important result for me as well for Aprilia. In addition, we collected valuable six points which we take with us. But honestly speaking, I’m absolutely not satisfied about my race. The main reason was all these many problems we endured throughout the weekend. We weren’t able to improve neither from Friday to Saturday nor from Saturday to Sunday. Beyond that I made a mistake this morning as I crashed during warm up session. Fortunately, it doesn’t affect us in any way although we made a big change to the bike for the race without any helpful information. But everything goes wrong. During the final stages of the race I didn’t have any feeling for the front at all. The situation was at worst in corner entry. Anyway, with this measure we have certainly reached the opposite to our plans. Obviously it’s a pity because we have worsened in this area for the race. But meanwhile the main problem was an incident with Barbera when he passed me in turn two. However, during the chicane I was at the level with him, but he ran wide and, though he saw me but he put up the bike and we touched. At this moment my brake lever was put downwards. During the following two laps I tried to adjust it in way to be able to use it again which also succeeded in a way. However, this incident did destroy my race because I lost the contact to the riders in front of me. I think, if this didn’t happen, the race could have gone in another way. However, in the end the outcome hardly would have been different because we weren’t eye-to-eye with our competitors this weekend. In any case, Le Mans has brought many valuable insights on which we can build for Mugello and in any case we will continue with the same package we used here in Le Mans which means that we will race with all these new development parts which Aprilia has brought to the Jerez test. The Mugello track is layout wise completely different and a better circuit too so I hope that our bike will perform there unlike better than here.” MotoGP™ Grand Prix de France – Race Classification after 28 Laps: 1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamah / 43´51.290 2 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / +10.654 3 #25 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / +14.177 10 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +54.502 MotoGP™ World Standings: 1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 90 2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 85 3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 78 12 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia 23 Next race: 22 May, Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Scarperia / Italy

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GP France: SIX ROW START AFTER CHALLENGING WEEKEND

Stefan Bradl qualified for 17th spot on the grid for Sunday’s round five in Le Mans though there were a lot of comparison tests on his agenda for this weekend. The 26-year-old factory rider in Aprilia and his experienced crew were mainly working to evaluate development parts for the all-new RS-GP prototype this weekend. Initially, it was scheduled to test all this stuff last Monday in Mugello but due to bad weather conditions it wasn’t possible to gain valuable information. Anyway, Bradl and his crew continued their work on various setup, chassis and electronic solutions, focussed on improving the feeling in acceleration which already started yesterday. However, before going into QP1 Bradl was recorded with an encouraging 13th fastest lap time during FP4 at lunch time today. In doing so, it underlines the potential of the 2016 version again. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 17th – 1´34.003 (8/8): “I can’t say that I’m disappointed because I gave during qualifying 100 percent. But this weekend proves even more difficult than expected. So we continued to work testing a lot of different things as we tried to find solutions which improve my feeling in acceleration. We will analyse all data now in order to try to improve for the race. In addition, we will make a few changes to the electronics as well to the rear suspension. However, I’m confident that I’m able to round up this weekend in style again.” MotoGP™ Qualifying Classification: 1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´31.975 2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Respol Honda Team / Honda / 1´32.416 +0.441 3 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´32.469 +0.494 17 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´34.003 +2.028

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GP France: BUSY OPENING DAY IN LE MANS

Stefan Bradl and his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini continued their work today in Le Mans where they had left off last week’s Jerez test. During both sessions at the opening day for round five, Bradl and his crew were busy with comparison tests between the old and the new version of the frame. Thanks to stable weather with good conditions the team was able to make good progress with this task. At the end of the day they also could make a decision which sees to continue working with the newest development part to the team’s Aprilia RS-GP. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P17 – 1´35.381 (18/20) / FP2: P19 – 1´34.742 (17/20): “Today we really had a lot of work to do because the lost day of testing last Monday due to the weather was felt in every respect. Anyway, today we started with the last comparisons between the old and the new frame which we started already last week in Jerez. This task we did during both sessions today. Finally, we decided to continue working with the new version which provides some advantages in corner entry. But there wasn’t much time so there are still a few things left to sort out, especially in terms of the rear. Tomorrow we will focus our efforts on improving in corner exit as well, based on what we found out today.” MotoGP™ Combined Practice Times FP1/FP2: 1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´32.830 (FP2) 2 #29 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´33.169 +0.339 (FP2) 3 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´33.313 +0.483 (FP2) 19 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´34.742 +1.912 (FP2)

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Post-race Test Jerez: PRODUCITVE TEST COMPLETES JEREZ WEEKEND

Straight after Sunday’s Gran Premio de Espana Stefan Bradl and his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini completed a one-day test at the challenging Circuito de Jerez. After a demanding weekend due to the hot conditions Stefan Bradl had no rest as a post-race test was scheduled for Monday at the same venue where he scored two more points for the championship in round four the day before. In similar conditions Bradl set 66 laps aboard his prototype RS-GP. Aprilia has brought some new parts as well further development for the all-new 2016 bike but there were also some tyres assessments to dealt with. After the test’s conclusion at 6:00 pm Bradl was pleased with the results and the job done on Monday in Jerez. However, before the series continues with round five in Le Mans in less than two weeks, Bradl and his team are going to Mugello for another private one-day test next Monday. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), P13 – 1´40.674 (50/66): “It was an incredible hard day of work. Aprilia has brought a lot of new part for this test. In addition, we had to evaluate four new front tyres from Michelin. Based on the number of laps, you can see that we were very busy today. All testing’s with the respective developments to our bike were really informative, the first sensations are good. Of course, all these new parts must be evaluated at another track which is already scheduled for next Monday at the Mugello circuit. But then we will see if some of these developments we will use in Le Mans for the first time in a race weekend. Anyway, the most important developments were a new swing arm and a new chassis. Unfortunate, we weren’t able to run with it too many laps because we also had to try and use the new front tryes. This must take place in a certain time frame in order to get useful information. The compound itself wasn’t different but foremost it was a new casing which Michelin has engineered for this types. From our point of view, we realized very quickly that some tyres have potential whereas other ones are straight to sort out. However, we have to wait and see till Michelin has got the feedback from all other riders to do their judgment. But all these things were not all stuff in our agenda. Beyond that we were also working with the electronics as mainly with different engine mappings. But in the end we got positive results at all so for this it was a productive test. In terms of lap time it was even a successful day as I set my fastest lap time of the weekend today. However, this fact shouldn’t be overvalued because during the weekend I wasn’t able to set one super-fast lap time whereas our consistency as good. In addition, today’s track conditions were a bit better than during the previous days. Overall, I’m pleased with today’s job done but at the same time I feel tired and exhausted so some days off will be good to charge my batteries again before we face a busy week again with our private test on Monday and later the Grand Prix weekend in Le Mans.” MotoGP™ Post-race Test Jerez: 1 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´39.313 2 Jorge LORENZO / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´39.332 +0.019 3 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 1´39.536 +0.223 13 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´40.674 +1.361

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GP Espana: MISSION SUCCEEDED

Stefan Bradl rode a clever race in the heat of Jerez to score further points by oneself. Dense fog was the reason for a delay to the time schedule for this morning’s warm up session. But as soon the sun came out, the race for round four at the Circuito de Jerez was affected by high temperatures. The track’s grip level in hot conditions is always a question mark as it was the case today. However, Stefan Bradl managed it well to ride through these circumstances. In doing so, he also kept tyres wear in his mind for which he had a clearly advantage towards the end of the race. After two top 10 finishes last time out in Argentina and Texas respectively, the factory rider in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini was pleased about his third consecutive points scoring finish today. #6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 14th (World Championship position 13th, 17 points): “I’m really happy with my race as well with its outcome. Points are always important but this time the result counts twice. After a difficult weekend we managed it to came home within the top 15 by oneself. Over the course of the weekend we tried and worked a lot of different things with the bike. Mainly in terms of finding grip for these conditions. For this reason, we were working a lot with the suspension for the front and the rear too. My start was a lot better than the two previous ones and I also was able to gain positions during the opening laps. This was an important point for the remaining distance. At halfway stage of the race I slowed my pace a bit because I realized that I couldn’t push the front tyre anymore. In addition to that I manage tyre wear for the rear very well. Due this I had an advantage during the final laps. I was able to push more than my counterparts and I could pass Yonny Hernandez again. These two points are massively important for us and feels really good. Considering less retirements during today’s race, P14 is a success for sure.” MotoGP™ Gran Premio de Espana – Race Classification: 1 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamah / 45´28.834 2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / +2.386 3 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +7.087 14 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +47.886 MotoGP™ World Championship Standings: 1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 82 2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 65 3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 58 13 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia 17 Next race: 8 Mai, Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans / France

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