#RiminiWorldSBK: MISANO STARTS WITH TWO HALVES ON FRIDAY

Stefan Bradl and his Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team endured a so-so opening day at this weekend’s round seven in Italy.

The FIM Superbike World Championship was welcomed for its second visit to Italy this year by great summer weather at Rimini’s Adriatic coast line. Temperatures with almost 30 degrees in the air and 46 degrees on the tarmac caused grip issues at the 4.2 kilometres long Misano World Circuit in general.

But a private test here two weeks ago paid off for Stefan Bradl and his team so far as the 27-year-old German performed strong during Friday morning’s first free practice. Lap times were good enough to found himself in the range of the top ten for most of the one-hour long session though Bradl improved by 0.4 seconds with a few minutes to go. In the afternoon, however, the track was more slippery due to increased temperatures which caused a spinning rear on his Honda Superbike. In addition, electronic problems forced Bradl for a longer break in the pits which was why he couldn’t improve his lap time from FP1 finally. So, for Bradl qualifying starts with Superpole1 on Saturday morning.

Both races of the weekend are broadcasted by Austrian’s channel ServusTV. The programme, which is by the way to see in Central Europe’s entire German speaking area in Free-TV, is set to start on Saturday and Sunday 30 minutes earlier than the races get underway at 1:00 pm, including a detailed pre-show.

#6 Stefan BRADL (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team, Honda CBR1000RR SP2), FP1: P13 – 1´36.548 / FP2: P18 – 1´37.730:

“The weekend began quite busy for us. This morning, the feeling with the bike wasn’t too bad. I could feel that our test two weeks ago was helpful. Actually, we made some progress in terms of the electronics and throttle connection on the rear. This afternoon, however, we started with used tyres and obviously the lack of grip was an issue in general. But then we suffered an electronic problem which forced us to stay in the garage for a long time so, I couldn’t do as many laps. We lost many valuable time and this was why we couldn’t improve. Our potential is definitely higher because my feeling with the bike was very positive this morning. Hopefully we’re able to turn this fact in a better performance tomorrow!”

#RiminiWorldSBK – Free Practice Combined Results (FP1/FP2):
1 Jonathan REA / GBR / Kawasaki Racing Team / Kawasaki ZX-10R / 1´34.901 (FP2)
2 Tom SYKES / GBR / Kawasaki Racing Team / Kawasaki ZX-10R / 1´34.931 +0.030 (FP1)
3 Marco MELANDRI / ITA / Aruba.it Racing – Ducati / Ducati Panigale R / 1´35.151 +0.250 (FP1)
17 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team / 1´36.548 +1.647 (FP2)