Record breaking Friday for Aprilia Racing at the Sachsenring

BEST TIME AND TRACK RECORD FOR VIÑALES, ESPARGARÓ OUT DUE TO INJURY. OLIVEIRA STRAIGHT THROUGH TO Q2

It was an extremely positive day for Maverick Viñales who, as early as the first free practice session, demonstrated an outstanding feeling with the RS-GP24, finishing third and just two tenths of a second behind the leader. In the Practice session, which decides who will go straight through to Q2, the Spanish rider further improved his performance, finishing in the lead and setting the new track record with a time of 1'19.622.

Aleix Espargaró was on track for the first free practice session to assess his physical condition. Unfortunately, the Spaniard decided to stop after just two laps due to the pain in his right hand, fractured at the fifth metacarpal in the Assen sprint race. Espargaró will not take part in the Sachsenring GP.

Also worth a mention is the performance by Aprilia Trackhouse rider Miguel Oliveira, who finished the Practice session in third place, just three tenths of a second behind Maverick’s time.

MAVERICK VIÑALES
“This was my best day on the Sachsenring since I’ve been racing in MotoGP. Being so competitive on a slow track like Sachsenring is significant for the team. Right from the free practice session, I felt extremely good, with an outstanding race pace as well during Practice, where I also tested a few things in view of the race to see what would work well.”

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“I tried to race, but unfortunately, my hand hurts too badly, especially when I try to brake. I couldn’t even manage the throttle. I’m forced to stop for this weekend, but I’ll still be in the garage to support Maverick and to be with my team. I’m counting on seeing everyone at Silverstone!”

PAOLO BONORA
“It was an extremely positive day for Aprilia, with first place going to Maverick, who felt good straight away with the bike and demonstrated good race pace. We are positive and optimistic for the sprint race. This result was also confirmed by team Aprilia Trackhouse rider, Miguel Oliveira, which demonstrates the fact that we have taken a step forward on a track which has historically not been easy for Aprilia. A special shout-out to Aleix, who wanted to give it a go in spite of the severe pain in his hand.”