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Italiano
The poor conditions of the Portimao track, stormed last night by a heavy rain that brought sand on the track, did not tame the Beast that on his GP24 closed the first day of the weekend at the Algarve at the top of the standings turning a 1'38'057. For Enea Bastianini a great start to the weekend in the second stage of this season, as well as an excellent sign of recovery after a difficult period last year. The Italian rider knows, however, that he cannot sit on his laurels, "in MotoGP you can never let your guard down," he will later say, and this is demonstrated by the third time of Marc Marquez and the fourth of Martin, both possible pretenders to the throne for the second saddle in the factory team. Friday is just a Friday then, but Enea Bastianini still proved that the red he wears is not there by chance.
"It was a very good Friday, even if it had not started in the best way - Enea comments - the track was very dirty so I tried not to take too many risks by pushing in FP1. In FP2 we had a small problem but then we improved. With a small change to the setup, the engine and the brakes at the end it improved and I was able to make a good time attack. This fills me with confidence even though it is still only the beginning of the weekend, on the pace we definitely still have room for improvement."
Closing the session ahead of everyone after past difficulties must have given you a boost.
"Clearly, it was needed, it's been a while since that happened. It felt good, and above all, the lap came on a track where I've struggled to be competitive in the past. But it's only Friday, and in MotoGP you should never let your guard down."
The track conditions in the morning were very difficult.
"More than difficult I would dare say almost unacceptable. It was really very dangerous, but if we hadn't lapped it wouldn't have improved ... basically we had to be sweepers!",jokes the Italian.
Over the weekend the situation will improve.
"I think so too, surely more trajectories will be freed up, although already today it has cleaned up quite a bit between sessions. Tomorrow it will definitely turn even faster."
Do you think the values on the field seen today are objective, or will we see upheavals in the standings?
"I think something will definitely change. I think among my rivals Marc has something more than the others, he showed it in both rounds and also in the pace."
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