Positive progress for Aprilia Racing on Friday in Misano

VIÑALES EIGHTH AND ESPARGARÓ TENTH TO GO STRAIGHT THROUGH TO Q2

Maverick Viñales had good sensations in the first free practice session, doing the fifth fastest time. The fact that the track was wet in some areas did not keep the Spanish rider from being competitive and collecting valuable data. In the practice session, with the track completely dry, Viñales carried out a series of consistent time-attacks, finishing eighth to go straight through to Q2.

Aleix Espargaró finished FP1 thirteenth, penalized by the track condition, eight tenths slower than the best time. In the practice session, he improved his performance, finishing in tenth place, which puts him straight through to Q2 as well.

MAVERICK VIÑALES
“During the test, we figured out what we were missing in order to improve. The feeling is better than the first race in Misano. We have made a huge step forward, despite the track not having much grip. With the medium tyre, the bike is much more predictable and easier to ride. The goal is to start from the second row and, from there, build two good races. We need to strive to give one hundred percent and to continue on this growth trend.”

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“Compared with Misano 1, we have made steps forward and in the battle for the top six, we are not far off. We are doing a lot of hard work. We tested a radically different bike and we have other ideas as well for the sprint race. We know that Misano is a difficult track for Aprilia, but we’ll try our best. The goal for qualifying is to start from the second row. I am rather confident in my flying lap and I’ll be giving one hundred percent.”

PAOLO BONORA
“A good result with both riders in the top ten. The test on Monday was extremely helpful and it allowed us to make some improvements for this weekend. Misano has never been an easy track for Aprilia, but we’ll keep working and analysing the data to make another step forward.”