Malaysia GP: OPENING DAY BRINGS PROMISING FEELING
Despite changing weather conditions, Stefan Bradl could find a good feeling for the Sepang circuit and his Aprilia RS-GP straight away.
Friday at Sepang, it was the first opportunity for teams and rider to get first impressions aboard their machines about the completely re-surfaced track. However, both sessions took place in mixed conditions though the track’s conditions allowed to go out with slicks during in the morning at least. Opposite to that, FP2 in the afternoon was run on a drying track after a heavy downpour hit the Sepang International Circuit shortly before lunch time. Stefan Bradl and his crew first started with rain tyres before changing to intermediates for the final stages of the session. Finally, he was recorded with eight fastest time in the afternoon.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: P12 – 2´02.164 (16/16) / FP2: P8 – 2´10.283 (14/14):
“Today’s practice session were definitely affected by the weather. Already this morning it wasn’t an easy task out there as there were many wet patches on track. Towards the end of the session, lap time were good but there is more to come. In the afternoon, we started with a rain setup and later we changed to intermediate tyres to better the times. Anyway, both sessions weren’t productive but I’m able to say that I feel comfortable with the bike. Hopefully we’ll have more stable conditions tomorrow in order to be able to prepare in the best possible way for the race.”
MotoGP™ Combined Free Practice Times FP1/FP2:
1 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 2´01.210 (FP1)
2 #25 Maverick VINALES / SPA / Team SUZUKI ECSTAR / Suzuki / 2´01.478 +0.268 (FP1)
3 #45 Scott REDDING / GBR / OCTO Pramac Yakhnich / Ducati / 2´01.507 +0.297 (FP1)
12 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / 2´02.164 +0.954 (FP1)