Grand Prix of Italy (Mugello) Free Practice
HEAVY RAIN HITS SECOND FREE PRACTICE SESSION AT MUGELLO
Preparations for one of the most eagerly anticipated races
for all MotoGP fans began at the Mugello circuit in Italy
today with a very grey and wet practice day for both Pramac
d’Antin riders, Alex Barros and Alex Hofmann.
Barros, who recorded a good lap time of 1’51.621 in
the morning session to earn him the seventh best time, had
difficulties during the afternoon’s wet session because
he was not able to find the correct front feeling from his
DUCATI-Bridgestone package.
Also for his German team-mate Alex Hofmann, the afternoon
wasn’t very positive because of some technical difficulties
that prevented him from maximising his time during the second
free practice session. Fortunately the dry set-up that was
tested during the morning left him confident.
Alex Barros (2’17.161): “ Practice
this afternoon was definitely affected by the weather. In
the morning, we went quite well, to begin with we had some
difficulties in finding the right set-up, but at the end of
the morning it was fine because we were able to work well.
In the afternoon session, we wanted to continue with the work
started but the heavy rain did not allow us this chance. Apart
from starting a few minutes late, we had some initial problems
getting the right feeling from the Bridgestone wet tyres,
so I came back to the box and we made some changes. When I
went out again, I immediately noticed an improvement, but
unfortunately the time lost meant that I was not able to test
as I would have liked. In general though, I am quite satisfied,
we found the right way. Tomorrow, time permitting, we will
focus on the set-up at the rear because there is still room
for improvement here.”
Alex Hofmann (2’19.873): “This
afternoon wasn’t very good for the practice because
it rained a lot and we lost precious time. As regards morning
practice I’m quite satisfied, I went on track with good
set-up that enabled me to ride with confidence. Unfortunately
in the afternoon everything was made fruitless because of
the weather. At the start there was a heavy cloudburst and
it wasn’t possible to exit onto the track. After, when
the situation was better, I was ready to give my all, but
unfortunately I made only a few laps because of some technical
problems, so I had to come back and change my bike. In general
I’m satisfied after this first day at Mugello circuit,
we have good setting, but I hope that tomorrow the typical
Italian weather will come, so that everything could be perfect
to prepare as well as possible for the race.”
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