Bastianini Tops Friday Timesheets In Argentina. Encouraging Start For Di Giannantonio
Gresini Racing Team Moto3 racer Enea Bastianini was the fastest at the end of the first day of free practice for the Grand Prix of Argentina, second round of the 2016 season scheduled for this weekend at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. The 18-year-old rider from Rimini topped the timesheets at the end of the morning session with a lap time of 1’52”467, then he maintained the first position in the afternoon, going down to 1’51”137.
Also Bastianini’s team mate, rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio, enjoyed a positive start of the weekend: after focusing on learning the track in the morning, the 17-year-old rider from Rome improved considerably his lap times in the afternoon, closing the day with 1’52”505 and reducing the gap to the riders in front of him.
ENEA BASTIANINI (1st – 1’51”137)
“It was a very positive first day because we have always been in the top positions in both free practice sessions. In the afternoon the track conditions improved and I felt more comfortable on the bike, although we still need to work to improve, especially with regard to the performance with new tyres. Today in fact we set more or less the same lap times with used and with new tyres: tomorrow will be important to be able to take full advantage of the new tyre if we want to remain on top, because in qualifying all riders will push 100%. However, I think that we can do very well also tomorrow”.
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO (23rd – 1’52”505)
“Although the track was very dirty this morning, in the first session I was able to learn the optimal lines, so I could start to push harder in the afternoon session. I really love the track, in fact during the second session I also found myself in the first half of the timesheets. Then in the final stages I rode alone and therefore I was not able to improve further, but I’m pretty happy. If tomorrow we can improve a little bit more, we can make a good step forward”.
FAUSTO GRESINI
“Today track conditions were really difficult for everyone, very dirty. We still made a good start, maintaining a good pace and always staying in the top positions even when the track has been gradually improving. Finishing on the lead both first free practice sessions is undoubtedly positive, so we are satisfied; we were a bit worried because on this track we had some difficulties during practice last year, but now we know that we have made some good progress. The weekend started well also for Di Giannantonio: his debut on this track has been positive, because he’s not so far from the riders ahead of him”.
