FIRST DAY OF MOTOGP PRACTICE AT BRNO
ALVARO BAUTISTA: "WORKING TO IMPROVE THE RS-GP GOING INTO CORNERS"
STEFAN BRADL: "GOOD PACE AND TOMORROW WE WANT TO IMPROVE ON THE FLYING LAP"
The two free practice sessions on Friday opened up the MotoGP weekend at Brno, an "old school" track that riders like very much. In the many laps taken, the official Aprilias analysed the performance of the various tyre options first and foremost. They were searching, as always, for the best compromise between speed and duration for race distance.
Stefan Bradl stated that he was satisfied at the end of practice, especially in terms of consistent performance. The German rider praised the progress made on the RS-GP setup, setting the goal for tomorrow as being faster on the flying lap. Given the good feedback in terms of race pace, an improvement in performance for qualifying would earn a few fundamental positions on the starting grid for Sunday.
On Alvaro Bautista's side of the garage, the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini also focused efforts on testing the tyres, at the same time working on the number 19 RS-GP's chassis setup and electronics. Right now, Alvaro's biggest limits have to do with going into corners and the ability to hold the line, crucial factors considering the many direction changes that distinguish the Brno track.
Stefan finished 17th in the combined standings, with a best lap of 1'57.471, followed by his teammate Bautista (1'57.569).