GP San Marino: DESPITE UP AND DOWNS PROMISING START TO THE WEEKEND
Stefan Bradl started the Misano round with a strong display before an early fall during Friday afternoon’s FP2 affected the session in an unlucky way.
Bradl and his Aprilia RS-GP prototype showed up in an impressive condition during both Friday’s free practice sessions. The 26-year-old MotoGP rider was recorded with twelfth fastest lap time during FP1 in the morning, just 0.6 seconds off the pace. Although he was on a good run to repeat this strong performance in the afternoon. But a harmless crash in which his No 1 bike got more damaged than just a few scratches, wasn’t only costly in terms of valuable track time but Bradl was forced to continue his session with the second bike. Despite all these circumstances it was a pleasant first day of practice as Bradl concluded Friday in the top 15.
MotoGP action will resume with Saturday morning’s FP3. Following that, FP4 is the final opportunity to prepare for the qualifyings.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P12 – 1´34.126 (19/20) / FP2: P17 – 1´34.631 (4/18):
“A start into the weekend with up and downs. This morning we had a very good FP1 but unfortunately, after a rather fast start into FP2, I crashed in turn 14. Consequently, I had to use the second bike for my second exit. However, this bike has a different chassis configuration. Meanwhile, my crew fixed the No 1 bike. When I continued my session with the No 1, I wasn’t able to find the right pace during the final stage of the session. Of course it’s a pity, because we could have further improved. But I’m confident for tomorrow because I think that we’re moving in the right direction.”
MotoGP™ Combined Free Practice Times:
1 #44 Pol ESPARGARO / SPA / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / Yamaha / 1´32.769
2 #26 Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´32.834 +0.065 (FP2)
3 #4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´32.901 +0.132 (FP2)
15 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 1´34.126 +1.357 (FP2)