Gresini Racing

In mixed conditions on the first day of free practice at Valencia Michele Pirro clocked the second fastest time, making the most of a damp track surface in the afternoon session following a fully wet morning outing. Alvaro Bautista enjoyed a positive opening session but only clocked three laps in the afternoon.

Michele Pirro (2nd 1’37” 084) “We went a little better than usual in the wet this morning and then in the afternoon we went with slick tires on the damp track and I managed to set the second fastest time. I actually would have gone faster if I didn't get held up by Edwards on the last lap so I could have finished the day on top but this is good enough! No doubt the conditions will be different tomorrow but we will work hard towards our objective of finishing the season with a CRT victory.”

Alvaro Bautista “This morning in the wet we found a good feeling with the bike from the start of the session to the end but in the afternoon we only managed three laps and the data will be of very little use for tomorrow. It's a shame but it seems to have been a recurring theme this season.”

Fausto Gresini “We can't draw too many conclusions from today unfortunately but it is satisfying to see Pirro at the top of the timesheets. He rode really well in mixed conditions and I hope to see him repeat this level of performance tomorrow when the track will no doubt be completely different again.”