Adverse weather conditions slowed progress for the MotoGP™ teams present for the second day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera today (Saturday). However, Álvaro Bautista at least had the chance to complete his first laps on the Honda RC213V in the wet, establishing a good feeling. It was a less positive day for Michele Pirro, who needs dry time and could only make use of the final 30 minutes of the session, leaving plenty of work to do tomorrow.
Álvaro Bautista:
"It has been a similar day to the second Test at Sepang in Malaysia but we at least managed to get some laps in the wet and the first impressions are good because I have confidence in the bike so that's positive. Then the track started to dry out but there was no point riding because the wet tyres just tore up. In the final 30 minutes we got some track time and I was happy with what we achieved but it wasn't really dry. In conclusion it hasn't been a productive day so we just have to hope for better conditions tomorrow."
Michele Pirro:
"A real shame because with such a young bike it is important for us to get some laps but the weather has played us a bad hand today. We have lost a day of testing and will have to try and make it up tomorrow, which makes life difficult. Patience! We managed to get some laps in the final 30 minutes even though the conditions weren't perfect and at least got some information to work from tomorrow."
Fausto Gresini:
"Today was endless, with the track conditions bringing everything to a halt. It was neither wet nor dry so everything was difficult. Luckily when the track was at its wettest Álvaro managed to get some laps in and built his confidence with the bike in these conditions. The most important job he was did was some practice starts with different settings, which was very useful. Overall it was a waste of a day, especially for the CRT bike because we were only able to get a few laps in and set up for tomorrow. The good thing is that we continue to move forward every time we get on track and that gives us confidence. It will be an intense day tomorrow trying to make up for lost time, which for the CRT project is a precious commodity."
San Carlo Honda Gresini press release
