PRODUCTIVE END FOR PRESEASON-TESTINGS IN QATAR
For Stefan Bradl this week’s official IRTA test at Losail with Aprilia’s all-new prototype was connected with a lot of work and patience.
On Wednesday, the opening day, the German MotoGP rider and the Italian factory squad Aprilia Racing Team Gresini experienced a promising start into the last opportunity for the upcoming season preparations. But during the next session on Thursday seriously working on track was prevented by numerous problems. However, Bradl and his crew didn’t let his composure and managed it to solve the problems with the factory’s all-new Aprilia RS-GP 2016 for the final day of this three-day testing in Qatar. After 61 laps during Friday evening’s session Bradl was pleased with the job done although definitely not compromising lap times.
The World Championship opening round will take place on March 20th with the Grand Prix of Qatar held at the Losail International Circuit.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – P21 (1´57.340, 103 laps in total):
“After the second day of testing was characterized by many problems we were able to turn around things for Friday. It was a really productive day for us. I was able to put in a lot of laps without running into those small problems that often slow down work on a completely new bike. I also got in various exits with a several number of laps in a row to prepare for the race weekend here at Losail and everything worked rather well. We were just focussed above all on the bike’s front in order to improve the feeling. In doing so we managed to find a few benefits but unfortunately we didn’t have the time to work on the rear too. So we will start with this work during the race weekend. In any case, we are on the right path but now we just need to stay calm and keep working this way.“
MotoGP™ Losail Test – Combined Standigngs:
1 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´54.810
2 Scott REDDING / GBR / Octo Pramac Yaknich / Ducati / 1´55.326 +0.516
3 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 1´55.333 +0.523
21 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´57.340 +2.530