STRONG START DURING FRIDAY’S FP1 AT ARAGON
Stefan Bradl’s performance during the first free practice session was somewhat of surprise, before conditions got better in the afternoon.
Of course, the 25-year MotoGP rider in Aprilia Racing Team Gresini was able to take benefit from last week’s test at Misano, though twelfth fastest in the morning came a bit surprisingly for Bradl and his crew. However, during FP2 this afternoon Bradl used the harder option rear tyre, which definitely was not the best choice for the improved conditions with significantly higher temperatures.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), FP1: 12th – 1´50.160 (15/18) / FP2: 19th – 1´49.980 (17/18):
“Today’s FP1 in the morning was positive for sure, but we knew that the afternoon session would be more significant with higher temperatures und better conditions. We used the harder option for the rear tyre most of the time, although we realised later that the soft compound seems to work better in this conditions. In general, I do not have very good grip now so we need more rear traction. We tried some different solutions in respect to the bike’s setting and various length with the swing arm but we still have not managed to make a truly step forward. Anyway, we still have two sessions tomorrow to put together all these indications and make some improvements.”
Combined Practice Times FP1/FP2:
1 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´47.517 (FP2)
2 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha /1´48.200 +0.683 (FP2)
3 Bradley SMITH / GBR / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / Yamaha / 1´48.318 +0.801 (FP2)
19 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´49.980 + 2.463 (FP2)