Alex De Angelis and Shinya Nakano started the German Grand Prix on the right foot at Sachsenring, the two Team San Carlo Honda Gresini riders taking starring roles in today’s opening free practice sessions, ending the day in second and seventh place respectively.
De Angelis was the only rider other than Casey Stoner to break the 1’22 barrier, setting a consistently fast pace over a number of laps.
Nakano also gave positive feedback after lapping seventh fastest in the afternoon session, with just a few tenths covering the riders immediately above him.
Alex De Angelis (2nd - 1’21’’993): “I was definitely expecting good results here at Sachsenring because this is a good track for me. Honestly, though, I didn’t expect to be quite so fast from this morning’s first practice and again in the afternoon. I am very satisfied because we’ve still got a few cards up our sl eeves that can help us improve even further. Stoner is obviously very fast but it would be fantastic if we can consolidate this result.”
Shinya Nakano (7th - 1’22’’922): “I’m quite satisfied with this first day of free practice because we’ve put a good pace together and my lap times were good even on used tyres. We still have to find a few more tenths because the riders just above me are slightly faster but we’ll make this our target for tomorrow and work hard at it.”
Fausto Gresini - Team manager: “I’m particularly happy for Alex because he’s put in two great sessions today and that’s good for his confidence. Shinya also rode really well and I’m happy with the job he’s done. Today I want to take the opportunity to thank the whole squad and the companies who are supporting us, from San Carlo to Bridgestone to Honda, because I think these results are the fruit of everybody’s hard work together. I’m proud of my team.”
