GP Argentina: UPHILL START INTO THE WEEKEND
Extremely hot temperatures and difficult track conditions made it to a tough opening day at the Gran Premio de la República Argentina.
Sweltering and humid heat as well a very dusty track accompanied day one of practices at the South American round today. In case of Stefan Bradl and his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini these circumstances appeared particularly negative as he and his crew struggled a lot to get the tyres to work properly.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P16 – 1´45.519 (18/18) / FP2: P20 – 1´43.892 (11/17):
“This was not an easy day for us. Due to the heat and the dusty track, conditions were anything else than ideal. Particularly, we struggled with the tyres. Mainly it was the front tyre which didn’t work at all and apparently we were the only one to endure this problem. In addition, I felt a significant difference between the two bikes in my garage. However, I think a close view on the data will fix this issue quickly. But for tomorrow I expect improvements overall. I mean that we will be able to setup the bike better as well track condition improves with each session though we have to wait and see how the weather will appear. The forecasts say that the temperature should drop but that case would be a great thing for us.”
MotoGP™ Combined Practice Times FP1/FP2:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´41.579 (FP2)
2 #26 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´41.604 +0.025 (FP2)
3 #25 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 1´42.047 +0.468 (FP2)
20 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´43.892 +2.313 (FP2)