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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