CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA – FRIDAY

APRILIA ONE-TWO ON THE FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE IN BARCELONA

ALEIX FIRST WITH A NEW TRACK RECORD, MAVERICK SECOND AND FAST IN ALL CONDITIONS

Even though it’s only Friday, what the Aprilias demonstrated today in Barcelona is still a result to be proud of. Both riders were extremely fast in the two sessions – with new tyres, in the longest runs, and in the final time attack. Speed and consistency that still need to be worked on, because the adversaries are many and the competition tomorrow will surely be fierce.

In his home race (born just a few hundred metres from the circuit), Aleix not only led the Friday action, but he did it setting the new track record, breaking the previous one set in 2022 by... himself! Besides the flying lap, the Spaniard is also confident in terms of race pace.

Maverick had the same good sensations. In addition to his final second-place time, his ability to replicate the performance over several laps was impressive, but Viñales is also relying on further improvements to his setup and feeling on this track.

ALEIX
“We know that it’s only Friday, but being the fastest, with the track record, is undoubtedly an outstanding way to begin the weekend. I’m also pleased with the speed demonstrated in both sessions. The RS-GP works really well here and I’m having fun. In any case, it won’t be an easy weekend, especially on Sunday – it will be a long race. This is a demanding track in terms of grip, so both tyre choice and tyre management will be crucial.”

MAVERICK
“I’m very happy with the way the day went and how I rode and I’m also pleasantly surprised at the pace we were able to maintain from the very first laps. My feeling has been outstanding for a few races now and I feel good with the bike, so that allows me to work effectively on the setup. However, we need to keep our feet on the ground – it’s only Friday. Our rivals are not far off and they will improve. But I’m confident that if we continue to give one hundred percent, we’ll certainly be battling for the top spots in qualifying tomorrow.”