Bittersweet Friday for Aprilia Racing in Mandalika

MAVERICK VIÑALES STRAIGHT THROUGH TO Q2, TWO CRASHES FOR ALEIX ESPARGARÓ WHO WILL HAVE TO BATTLE IN Q1

Good performance by Maverick Viñales on the first day of practice at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. In the first free practice session, the Spanish rider finished second, just two tenths behind the leader, one of only two riders to drop below 1:31 – demonstration of his good feeling on the Indonesian track. In the practice session, Viñales took tenth position in his penultimate time-attack, finishing just three tenths behind the leader to clinch a spot in Q2.

The practice session was more eventful for Aleix Espargaró, who had two crashes without consequences but which limited his time-attacks. The Spanish rider finished the session fifteenth, so he’ll have to go through Q1 on Saturday to earn a spot in Q2.

MAVERICK VIÑALES
“We picked up where we left off with the good feelings we had in the second Misano race. I felt good both in FP1 and in the practice session. I could have done a better time-attack but I was unfortunately held up by other riders in the fourth sector. For Saturday, we’ll try to be more precise because we have the potential to achieve a good result.”

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“It was a difficult day, we are struggling. I gave one hundred percent, but in spite of this, I crashed twice and consequently I was unable to do a good lap. I’ll try to get through to Q2. Here in Mandalika, starting among the top eight is important.”

PAOLO BONORA
“After a positive FP1, we expected a better result in the practice session. The very close gaps on this track and Aleix’s two crashes kept us from having both riders in Q2. In any case, we remain optimistic for qualifying and the sprint race, with the goal of giving Aleix and Maverick an even more competitive bike.”