#QATARGP: Martin and Diggia positive after Thursday Moto3 practice
In the first practice sessions for the Del Conca Gresini Moto3 team riders at the Grand Prix of Qatar Fabio Di Giannantonio and Jorge Martin racked up a good number of laps and collected useful data under the floodlights. The threat of rain did not materialise but FP1 and FP2 were affected by a strong desert wind at the Losail International Circuit.
Martin worked on race pace on hard compounds, experiencing the Losail wind for the first time having stayed in the pits in similar conditions during the recent test. Di Giannantonio had good feelings but is looking to improve on corner entry on his number 21 Honda.
The riders return to the track tomorrow at 5pm local time, for their third and final free practice at this opening Grand Prix of 2017.
JORGE MARTIN #88
“It was a strange day with all this wind. A few days ago with the same conditions I decided to not go on track so at the beginning it was a bit weird, but I felt comfortable on the bike. With the hard compound tyre I had a good pace and in the second session I was able to easily overtake strong riders like Bulega and Bendsneyder and this is quite important psychologically. Tomorrow we will continue to work for the race, hopefully keeping the same pace!”
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21
“Today was a positive one. We weren’t too fast but most of all due to the track conditions, which were not exacly perfect. I ended the first session in 14th position, and the second one in 7th. Lapping with the others help me a lot, I had more references on track and was more consistent. We need to improve with the bike especially on corner entry where the bike is moving a lot, so we will focus on that tomorrow, to solve this problem. Tonight I can sleep feeling pretty relaxed.”
