GP Espana: MISSION SUCCEEDED
Stefan Bradl rode a clever race in the heat of Jerez to score further points by oneself.
Dense fog was the reason for a delay to the time schedule for this morning’s warm up session. But as soon the sun came out, the race for round four at the Circuito de Jerez was affected by high temperatures. The track’s grip level in hot conditions is always a question mark as it was the case today. However, Stefan Bradl managed it well to ride through these circumstances. In doing so, he also kept tyres wear in his mind for which he had a clearly advantage towards the end of the race. After two top 10 finishes last time out in Argentina and Texas respectively, the factory rider in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini was pleased about his third consecutive points scoring finish today.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia) – 14th (World Championship position 13th, 17 points):
“I’m really happy with my race as well with its outcome. Points are always important but this time the result counts twice. After a difficult weekend we managed it to came home within the top 15 by oneself. Over the course of the weekend we tried and worked a lot of different things with the bike. Mainly in terms of finding grip for these conditions. For this reason, we were working a lot with the suspension for the front and the rear too. My start was a lot better than the two previous ones and I also was able to gain positions during the opening laps. This was an important point for the remaining distance. At halfway stage of the race I slowed my pace a bit because I realized that I couldn’t push the front tyre anymore. In addition to that I manage tyre wear for the rear very well. Due this I had an advantage during the final laps. I was able to push more than my counterparts and I could pass Yonny Hernandez again. These two points are massively important for us and feels really good. Considering less retirements during today’s race, P14 is a success for sure.”
MotoGP™ Gran Premio de Espana – Race Classification:
1 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamah / 45´28.834
2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / +2.386
3 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / +7.087
14 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / +47.886
MotoGP™ World Championship Standings:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 82
2 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 65
3 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 58
13 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia 17
Next race: 8 Mai, Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans / France