#ARGENTINAGP: On-track fun begins for Martin and Di Giannantonio
The Argentine Grand Prix got underway at the spectacular Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit, with Moto3 being the first class to end up the on-track activities today in South America. Team Del Conca Gresini’s Jorge Martin and Fabio Di Giannantonio have ended up 12th and 16th, respectively, in the combined times of the day’s two free practice session, although not too far lap-time-wise from the leaders.
The rain forecast did not prevent the riders from taking to the track on board their NSF250RW machines, although track conditions and strong winds – especially during FP1 – have slowed down the setup work for Martin and “Diggia”, who in any case were able to complete around 30 laps each today.
There were contrasting feelings in the two sides of Team Del Conca Gresini’s pit-box as the number 88 Spanish riders was not fully happy with the bike setup, while the Italian number 21 had a bit more of a smile on his face. Both riders and their crews will turn their attention to the front-end of the bike, which is what has given them a hard time so far.
The on-track action will resume tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock local time (GMT -3), with qualifying set to begin at 12:35.
12º – JORGE MARTIN #88
“It has been a bit of a strange day today as I was not able to find the right feeling with the bike. I struggled a bit with the front-end, which cost me a lot of time: this is where we’re going to focus on tomorrow in order to improve. The goal is to get closer to the front as soon as possible; there’s still time to do it and I’m sure we’ll do well.”
16º – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21
“It’s been a quite positive day for us, because we’ve never been too far away from the leaders. I managed to improve a lot between FP1 and FP2, almost one and a half seconds, which is a great sign. There’s a lot to work on still, especially on the front-end of the bike, but we’re well progressing and looking forward to tomorrow, where I’m sure we’ll make another step forward.”
