Positive start for Aprilia Racing in Le Mans

VIÑALES FOURTH AND ESPARGARÓ SEVENTH – STRAIGHT THROUGH TO Q2

The first day of practice at the Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans was decidedly positive for Aprilia Racing, with both riders going straight through to Q2. 

Maverick Viñales did not struggle to find a good feeling, finishing the morning FP1 session in third place. During the Practice session which determines who will go through to Q2, he led the standings for quite a while, also demonstrating good race pace. The Spanish rider finished Practice with the fourth best time, just two tenths behind the fastest rider. 

On the other side of the garage, Aleix Espargaró also found good sensations from the first Free Practice session. In Practice, the Spaniard significantly improved his times, repeating seventh position, which allows him to go straight through to Q2. 

MAVERICK VIÑALES
“The sensation with the front tyre weren’t entirely optimum, but I was still able to be fast anyway. In terms of race pace, we are right there. During my time attack, a yellow flag kept me from improving my time, but I was still extremely close. I’m confident that we’ll take a step forward tomorrow.”  

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“After Qatar, this is the track where I’ve been the fastest. I feel extremely good with the bike. I made a small mistake during my time attack in that I went long on turn 9 and lost a couple tenths of a second. The feeling is better than I expected. I have been fast and competitive from the start.”

PAOLO BONORA
“This was a highly positive Friday, with a track that both riders like. We still need to sort some details, especially on the more demanding braking sections, but with the softer tyre, it seems like both have rediscovered the right sensations. We are optimistic for the race.”