GONZALEZ AND ARENAS UP TO SPEED IN QATARI PRACTICE
The on-track action has begun at the Lusail International Circuit, with Team Moto2 QJMOTOR GRESINI RACING in the spotlight already in the first free practice session, as both standard bearers finished in the top six with identical times of 1’58.676secs, only three tenths shy of the top.
The rain then changed all plans: Gonzalez and Arenas decided to not take any risk on the wet surface of Lusail and spent the whole second session back at the pit-box. They will battle for a spot in Q2 tomorrow in the first session of the day, Practice 2, which will determine who will get seeded directly to the final qualifying session and who will have to play their cards right in Q1.
5th – MANUEL GONZALEZ #18 (1’58.676)
“It was a positive free practice as I found myself comfortable straight from the get-go. In the second FP outing we tried a different suspension setting that I was hoping it would make me improve some more, but I’m still happy with today. We started the weekend in a positive way. We wanted to try something new in the second session but the rain came; we will continue our work program tomorrow, I can’t wait!”
6th – ALBERT ARENAS #75 (1’58.676)
“First day of the season: we only used one session, then it started to rain and we decided to not take any risk, so that I could also use the time to rest my shoulder and be on top form tomorrow. I felt really good in the first session, with the bike, the track and the team. I’m confident for the weekend and it will be key to stay focused.”
