For the 25-year German MotoGP rider and his crew in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini the new season got underway with a two-day test at the Valencia circuit.
Just two days after the season’s showdown last Sunday in Valencia the 2016 MotoGP season saw its early start on Tuesday and Wednesday. For most of the teams and riders it was a further shakedown with the all-new Michelin tyres which will be supplied by the French manufacturer from the upcoming season onwards.
For Bradl and his crew it wasn’t the very first ride with Michelin tyres and to meet their technicians as they had an opportunity already at the Aragon post-race test end of September. In fantastic weather conditions, Bradl lapped 82 times the 4 kilometres Valencia circuit in overall throughout this week’s test, though he had to record two falls in his box. Fortunate without any consequences to rider and bike, so he was able to continue his workload quickly after each of these incidents. However, before Bradl will head into the two-month winter break a further two-day test at the Circuito de Jerez is scheduled for November 25th to 27th.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) 1´32.492 (82 laps):
“The last two days of testing were definitely demanding. Fortunate the weather conditions were such as great so we were able to do so many laps as well we gained a lot of valuable data. The feeling with the Michelin tyres are very different to that we were accustomed, particularly the front that caused many crashes. Therefore, we were working a lot on the bike’s setting just to try to improve this feeling and to get the tyres to work as best as possible. In doing so, we tried many different things on fork adjustments, on the geometries and weight distributions. Therefore, we still haven’t achieved the result we hoped for but it was so important to start this job anyway. Later this month we will go to Jerez for a further test where we can continue this adaption process on a different track.”Official MotoGP™ Test Valencia:
1 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´31.060
2 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 1´31.163 +0.103
3 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´31.180 +0.120
19 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´32.492 +1.432
Stefan Bradl was hampered during Sunday’s race in Valencia by a problem with the front brake.
The 2015 season ended for Bradl as unfortunate as it started. After a consistent strong performance on both days of practice, he qualified for P15 on the grid from where the Aprilia rider left the line in an excellent manner. However, he realized immediately a problem with the brake. Bradl was able to adapt quickly to the changed situation but he never was able to race his consistent fast rhythm.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 18th, World Championship position 18th (17 points):
“It’s a pity how things went today because we were fast and consistent throughout the entire weekend and we were well prepared for the race. However, we were unable to repeat our strong performance from practice sessions today. We endured a strange problem with the brake, I didn’t feel comfortable on braking. I struggled to stop the bike so I was forced to use the rear brake a lot. In doing so, I stressed the rear tyre too much. That was the reason that I didn’t have any grip during the last laps and I dropped back quite a few positions. About this fact, I was very disappointed. It’s a shame because I had different plans for today and I would had like to conclude this championship on a high of course.”Race Classification MotoGP™ Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana:
1 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 45´59.364
2 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +0.263
3 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +0.654
18 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +59.086MotoGP™ World Standings:
1 Jorge LORENZO / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 330
2 Valentino ROSSI / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 325
3 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 242
18 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 17
After qualifying, Stefan Bradl was even more pleased about the well-done preparation for the race than about his strong 14th spot on the grid.
Likewise in Malaysia two weeks‘ time ago, Bradl qualified for the fifth row again. In best conditions with marvelous weather today, his crew and he managed it almost perfect to adapt the bike’s setup for the requirements of the challenging tight and twisty circuit in Valencia.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 14 – 1´31.824 (7/8):
“I’m pleased with the result today because we were able to confirm our good qualifying performance thus far. However, we were focussed on our race pace during all free practice sessions and I think we are well prepared for race day. The qualifying started somewhat different to our expectations, as I wasn’t able to take full benefit from my first run. However, after we put in new tyres for the second outing I was more aggressive in terms of riding and in doing so I was able to improve. Finally, I set a good lap time and qualified for a promising spot on the grid. Beyond that I’m pleased too because I lapped consistently during FP4 this afternoon. We tried different things for the suspension but it didn’t work out so we switched back to the previous setup which is similar to that we used last time out in Sepang and with which we will head into tomorrow’s race. The race distance with 30 laps will be demanding in terms of tyre wear though, our pace is good it will be important to manage the tyres well in order to be able to race a consistent high pace till the line. Anyway, I’m confident because we did a great job during days of practice. I look forward to a nice conclusion of the season with a strong result hopefully.“Qualifying Classification:
1 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´30.011
2 Marc MARUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´30.499 +0.488
3 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´30.516 +0.505
14 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´31.824 +1.813 (Q1)
Apart from a small issue with the engine brake, everything went according to Stefan Bradl’s plan during Friday’s practice sessions.
For the 25-year-old Aprilia rider it was an encouraging start again as Bradl was recorded with the eleventh fastest lap time during this morning’s FP1. Accompanied by beautiful weather, conditions improved for the second session this afternoon, Bradl was able to set a similar pace likewise during FP1 but he was slowed down during the later stages when he and his crew struggled with engine problems. In any case, it was a promising start into a weekend again even he concluded Friday’s combined timesheet in P16to drop down the order from this morning.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: 11. – 1´32.514 (15/19) / FP2: 19. – 1´32.842 (15/20):
“In general the weekend started off well. I’m quite pleased how things went during the first free practice session this morning because we started with the setup we used last time out in Malaysia and everything worked out well. In the afternoon the conditions were even better so we were able to try the harder front tyre and we continued do to some tests with the soft rear option to work on our race pace. Unfortunately, however, in my last run we were slowed by a problem with the engine brake, which cost us a few places in the combined timesheets finally. Nevertheless, I’m confident for tomorrow. Once this problem is solved we’ll be able to be fast again.”Combined Practice Times FP1/FP2:
1 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´31.111 (FP2)
2 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´31.250 +0.139 (FP1)
3 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´31.377 +0.266 (FP2)
16 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´32.514 + 1.403 (FP1)
After his great tenth place last time out in Malaysia, Stefan Bradl heads top motivated into this weekend’s season finale in Valencia.
His still best result since the 25-year-old German joined the Aprilia factory team last summer gave a big boost. So Bradl targets to conclude this year’s championship with a high note and to keep this momentum for start of the upcoming preperations for the next season.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – World Championship position 18 (17 points):
“The Valencia track is a real challenge for our bike due to its many tight and slow corners. In any case, I can’t wait to get back on track again. The good result I took last time out in Sepang has really gave us a big boost so we will head into the final round of the season with plenty of motivation. Nevertheless, I hope to be able to deliver another good weekend just in order to conclude the championship in the best possible way before to set the focus on 2016 already. For this weekend there is a huge crowd to expect so the atmosphere will be definitely fantastic.“MotoGP™ Time Schedule at the Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana (CET):
Freitag, 6. November: 09:55 – 10:40 FP1
Freitag, 6. November: 14:05 – 14:50 FP2
Samstag, 7. November: 09:55 – 10:40 FP3
Samstag, 7. November: 13:30 – 14:00 FP4
Samstag, 7. November: 14:10 – 14:25 QP1
Samstag, 7. November: 14:35 – 14:50 QP2
Sonntag, 8. November: 09:40 – 10:00 Warm Up
Sonntag, 8. November: 14:00 Rennen (30 Runden – 120,2 km)
Daten Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo:
Erstmals Schauplatz des GP de la Comunitat Valenciana: 1999
Streckenlänge: 4.005 Meter
Streckenbreite: 12 Meter
Längste Gerade: 876 Meter
Linkskurven: 9
Rechtskurven: 5
Beste MotoGP™ Pole-Position: 1´30.237 (2013)
MotoGP™ Rundenrekord: 1´31.515 (2014)
Stefan Bradl‘s Resultate 2014: Startplatz 10 / 8.
Stefan Bradl underlined his potential again with a great top ten comeback in the premier class during Sunday’s battle in the heat of Sepang.
The 25-year-old German rider delivered a consistent strong performance over the course of last weekend. Bradl was able to confirm P14 on the grid with a fine warm up session Sunday morning before a great start into the race was the base as the Aprilia factory rider crossed the line in tenth position.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 10th, World Championship position 18 (17 points):
“I’m very, very happy with today’s result as well with the race itself. Finally, I was able to deliver a decent result to my team, which we deserved since a while. At this point I want to express my thanks to the Mr. Romano Albesiano and Fausto Gresini that they gave me the chance to join the Aprilia factory team. Moreover, in a not usual way at halfway point this season. I think that I have shown my potential, my performance and my skills in terms of tech-savvy statements from the very first moment. Unfortunate we endured problems during some races because we were not able to exploit our potential in full manner. However, we have learnt a lot at every opportunity, especially at Phillip Island last weekend where we looked really bad. These findings were retrospectively massively valuable for us because now we know which changes to setup we need to do. The result of it was evident this weekend. The hot conditions here at Sepang were definitely an advantage for us as our package with the bike has brought the tyre to work more efficient. Finally, I’m also pleased at all with my performance during the race as well I delivered a strong showing during the entire weekend. I was able to race consistently fast with both new and used tyres and I managed it well to put all together in the race. About this, I’m very happy. So a huge thanks to my team for their great job. They are always and at every time behind me and we knew that we are capable of delivering performances like this. The race itself lasted an eternity. During the opening laps, I felt that I could have gone faster but as not fast enough to stay with the first group behind the frontrunners. However, as soon, I found my rhythm it was a lonesome ride and it was hard to stay focussed as well to control the gap to the riders behind me. In the end it was a strong race at all, I’m really happy.”Race Classification MotoGP™ Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix:
1 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 40´37.691
2 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / +3.612
3 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / +13.724
10 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +44.601MotoGP™ World Standings:
1 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 312
2 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 305
3 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 222
18 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 17
Next Race: Valencia / Spain, November 8th
Stefan Bradl was pleased with his second best qualifying result this afternoon aboard the Aprilia RS-GP.
14th spot on the grid is an improvement in comparison to last weekend’s Phillip Island race. However, Bradl experienced a pleasant Malaysia Grand Prix in extremely demanding conditions thus far with just one session he concluded not in the top 15. During this afternoon’s QP1 he missed out the highly competitive qualifying run for the top twelve positions on the grid by just half of a second. Nevertheless, thanks to his consistent performances over the course of both days of practice he is confident for tomorrow’s penultimate race this season.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 14th – 2´01.346 (6/7):
“I’m very happy with today’s qualifying. In the latter stage of QP1 I was able to put in a really good lap. It was a shame that I made just a small mistake in my last lap, but we’re pleased with the result anyway. The bike’s performance also improved in terms of race pace and we are confident for tomorrow morning’s warm up session that we can take another step forward. In fact, that we already have a few ideas that we will try in order to improve our rear grip level even more in corner entry so I’m very confident for the race. I feel like I’m ready.“Qualifying Classification:
1 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´59.053
2 Marc MARUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´59.462 +0.409
3 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´59.726 +0.673
14 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 2´01.346 +1.287 (Q1)
Despite tremendous conditions, Stefan Bradl enjoyed his ride aboard the Aprilia RS-GP during Friday’s free practice sessions.
Unlike the Australian Grand Prix one week ago, the 25-year-old German was able to find his performance again from the very first laps today. Bradl was recorded with the 14 fastest lap time this morning before he was able to confirm his morning performance during FP2 this afternoon.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: 14. – 2´02.314 (15/17) / FP2: 15. – 2´02.118 (14/16):
“Since my move in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, the Australian Grand Prix weekend was the most complicated yet. Most probably, the low temperature conditions penalized us, making us struggling more than usual. In Malaysia we face completely different conditions and most important we have some good references from the winter testing’s earlier this year. So it was a more positive opening day than one week ago at Phillip Island today. I’m happy to be back to be capable of demonstrating a performance which is more in line with our level. I had a good feeling with the bike and the tyres, which allowed me to push at its limit, and I’m already quite pleased with the setup with which we started the weekend. In any case, we still have a few ideas to improve further. In fact, we need a bit more grip in corner entry, which force me to take care, especially as soon the tyre performance start to drop down. We will also try to improve our braking stability. Overall it was a positive day at all. Hopefully we are able to continue like this tomorrow.”Combined Practice Times FP1/FP2:
1 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 2´00.246 (FP2)
2 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 2´00.293 +0.047 (FP2)
3 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 2´00.472 +0.226 (FP2)
15 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 2´02.118 + 1.872 (FP2)
Stefan Bradl couldn’t hide his huge disappointment after he crossed the line in 21st position at the MotoGP’s visit to Down Under this weekend.
The 25-year factory rider in Aprilia wasn’t able to find his speed at the fast and flowing Phillip Island Circuit. He wasn’t competitive throughout the weekend, so Bradl already set his sights to the upcoming round in Malayisa in one weeks’ time.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 21st, World Championship position 20th (11 points):
“I’m disappointed. I wasn’t able to find my speed throughout the whole weekend as I wasn’t fast enough to be competitive in this class. Over the course of practice days, we tried so many different changes to the bike and even though we were able to make a small step this morning, we couldn’t manage to overcome our difficulties before the race got underway. It’s a shame though, as we went with some hopes into this Grand Prix. However, the opposite was the case at the end. So I already look forward to the Malaysia race now, where we have more and a better reference thanks to the testing’s early this year. In any case I would like to round up this year’s flyaway trip in style this Sunday in Sepang.”Race Result MotoGP™ Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix:
1 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 40´33.849
2 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / +0.249
3 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / +0.930
21 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +50.277MotoGP™ World Stands 2015:
1 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 296
2 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 285
3 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 222
20 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 11
Next race: Sepang / Malaysia, October 25th
Stefan Bradl wasn’t able to perform during this afternoon’s qualifying that strong likewise he was capable to do so during the recent Grand Prix.
21st spot on the grid for tomorrow’s Australian Grand Prix is somewhat of a bitter pill for the Aprilia factory rider. For unknown reasons Bradl and his crew couldn’t find a solution for the rear end issues so far this weekend. However, to abandoned is only a letter, how the affordable Bavarian rider used to say, so he will keep working tireless to find a solution in order to be more competitive for the 27 laps race distance at the demanding Phillip Island Circuit.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 21st – 1´30.634 (6/8):
“This weekend has been more difficult thus far than we expected. We have made some more changes to the bike today, looking for a better feeling with the rear tyre, but without actually making much progress. So all we can do now is to keep analysing the data more precise in order to find a solution that allows me to be more competitive during the race tomorrow.”Qualifying Classification:
1 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´28.364
2 Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´28.680 +0.316
3 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´28.680 +0.316
21 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´45.432 +2.270 (Q1)
