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It's only Friday and free practice doesn't mean so much - but it's not the first time that it has happened - the first of the Ducatis is in fact the oldest, that of Barbera. It's nothing new that the GP14 knows how to make a flying lap, but the more recent GP15 and GP16 bikes should be able to do more. However, Hector is 8th, Petrucci 9th and Dovizioso just inside the top ten.
“Today has been a strange day - underlines Andrea - In the afternoon, there was a lot less grip than in the morning; it's a feature of Aragon that was even more evident today. It conditioned our work, you always have to adapt to the situation, both in terms of bike set-up and riding style".
The Desmosedici, in these conditions, doesn't shine.
“This year the poor levels of grip haven't helped me, we suffer more than others - he recalls - We have to continue to work, today the bike was practically sideways, both in braking and acceleration. Usually the Michelin's strength lies in their rear grip, but not having that makes it all more difficult".
Even to reach the Top Ten, what he needs to qualify directly for Q2.
“It won't be easy - he confirms - The tyres practically only allow you to make one fast lap and just one mistake will see you further back, the classification is very short”.
Petrucci is not particularly happy either, with tyres also proving to be an issue for him. Not so much in terms of the flying lap, but over longer distances.
“I'm pleased because I'm closer to the fastest guys again - says the team Pramac rider - I really like this track, I've always been fast and the bike is working well”.
But it's not enough.
“I'm suffering too much with tyre wear at the rear, it's too much - he comments - This is also down to my riding style, I have a 'heavy hand’ and use the tyre too much to get the bike to turn. In this way, I make the situation worse”.
At least this time he's closer to the front.
“It's normal to struggle more on a satellite team towards the end of the season, because we don't receive the updates that the factory bikes do - he explains - Today our position is good but the gap is greater compared to the first races".
Someone who can be pleased on the other hand is Michele Pirro. Once again the test rider gets a precious opportunity to ride the Ducati.
“Yesterday afternoon I was in front of the TV watching the press conference and then last night I was flying to Barcelona - he recounts - This morning I arrived at the track, but I didn't think I'd race. I thought Iannone would compete, I'm sorry that isn't the case”.
But Pirro is not going to waste an opportunity.
“I haven't ridden at this track for five years and had never ridden a MotoGP here - he underlines - The bike has remained the same since the first lap, I needed to rediscover my refernces and actually lowered my time by six seconds. I tried to lap alone, then on the last exit, when my times were decent, I came across Dovizioso, Pedrosa and Vinales who proved to be useful”.
Race predictions can wait though.
“Today it was useful to work on the bike, after the final sessions I'll be able to better evaluate my potential”, he concludes.
