GP Valencia: A NORMAL FRIDAY – NOT THAT GOOD, BUT ALSO NOT A BAD ONE
Stefan Bradl was satisfied on a whole about his performance during the opening day for the season’s final race in Valencia this Sunday.
The season’s finale got underway under bright skies and such as pleasant temperatures so teams and riders were able to make good progress in respect for their preparations for Sunday’s race at the tricky Valencian circuit. In point of view from Stefan Bradl, Friday sessions went rather unspectacular and without any major problems. Nevertheless, he has doubts as to whether a qualification for Q2 will be possible, which is set to decide the starting grid for the first four rows.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P16 – 1´32.845 (11/21) / FP2: P16 – 1´32.014 (19/22):
“Today’s opening sessions went rather calm. We made good progress without making any dramatically changes to the bike. In general, we’re lacking in top speed but there were no special problems. We just need to improve a few details. Based on our analysis of the data records we will surely be able to find solutions and improvements for tomorrow. On a track like this, the bike’s handling is still somewhat of cumbersome. Above all, the engine management and mapping doesn’t fit yet. But these shouldn’t be a great task. Regarding the tyre choice, there no big question marks for the rear whereas we still must do some further tests with the front tyre. For the moment, I prefer the medium compound. In any case, we need to look how we can get a little faster on Saturday. But Q2 is always a big task. I also must admit honestly, that I like the bike with this very special livery. It’s definitely a commendable initiative that I support 100 percent.”
MotoGP™ Combined Free Practice Times FP1/FP2:
1 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´30.463 (FP2)
2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´30.710 +0.247 (FP2)
3 #25 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 1´30.775 +0.312 (FP2)
16 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´32.014 +1.551 (FP2)