MotoGP has returned to Europe at Jerez for the Spanish GP. After an excellent debut in the first race of the year, the target today for JiR Team Scot was to improve performance of the Honda RC212V in such a way as to target the podium on Sunday afternoon. On a sunny day and in optimum conditions Andrea Dovizioso was testing all day some new Michelin tyres, as he tried to find a better setting and configuration during the build-up to tomorrow’s qualifying session.
Cirano Mularoni – Team Manager, JiR Team Scot“The first day today was spent fine-tuning the setting of the bike and trying to find our first choice of Michelin tyres. The weather conditions were very good, but very different to pre-season tests here, so obviously the team has had to find a different technical configuration as we try to focus our strategy for tomorrow. To be good here at Jerez your qualifying performance and start is all-important. I see the team and rider are very motivated and always trying to improve their performance, which is all we can ask.”
Andrea Dovizioso – Rider, JiR Team Scot MotoGP
Best time: 7th - 1’ 40.909”“The pre-championship tests here have shown that time spent on track is vital to how well we do here this weekend. Michelin has brought some new tyres following our recent feedback, so today we tried a lot of tyres without looking specifically for the best lap time. I’m very satisfied on the tuning of the engine because the power delivery is exactly as I want it and all the electronics we have on the bike are working very well. Tomorrow I have to concentrate on finding better stability in the area of braking, which is still a little bit of a weak-point for us. This circuit is very demanding for the chassis and so this point will have to improve also, as at the moment I’m losing a little time here and there. Our potential is very high and the aim is to get the perfect set-up where I can go fast without losing concentration or fighting the bike!”
Gianni Berti – Technical Co-ordinator, JiR Team Scot“The main part of the day was to concentrate on the new Michelin tyres and setting the chassis up for the rigours of the Jerez circuit. The conditions were good: 30 degrees on the Tarmac, but with a fresh breeze. We’re pretty much satisfied in terms of engine tuning, but we need to work a little more on our suspension settings, but I feel we’re in the good position to support Andrea in his bid to get the best results.”
Gran Prix of Spain – MotoGP – First Practice Session:1) Jorge Lorenzo - Yamaha 1’40”321
2) Valentino Rossi - Yamaha 1’40”364
3) Colin Edwards - Yamaha 1’40”587
4) Nicky Hayden - Honda 1’40”673
5) Dani Pedrosa - Honda 1’40”815
7) Andrea Dovizioso - Honda 1’40”909
