Maverick and Aleix in Q2 on Friday at COTA

POSITIVE START FOR  APRILIA, WITH BOTH RIDERS GOING STRAIGHT THROUGH TO Q2 

The first sessions of the morning at the Circuit of the Americas had  Maverick Viñales at the too of the time sheets with 2:03.294. In the afternoon session, which decided who would go straight through to Q2, the Spanish rider repeated the good performance, finishing second, just 76 thousandths of a second behind the first-place time. 

Aleix Espargaró also managed to go through to Q2, with the sixth best time of the session, six tenths behind the leading rider. 

MAVERICK VIÑALES
"From Portimão we found an outstanding setup and, above all, optimum balance between the front and rear tyre. I’m able to be extremely fast, the bike is stable, and I’m competitive both with the soft and medium tyres. I have an incredible feeling with the RS-GP24. I really like this track and it’s wonderful to be able to ride so fast and aggressive."

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
"This is not one of my favourite tracks, so I’m having trouble finding the right feeling. In the morning we struggled and ahead of the PR we worked hard to find the right setup. In any case, I’m satisfied with sixth place.I was surprised by the way Maverick is riding. He is really smooth through the corners. He is the rider to beat."