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Bad weather halts play at Phillip Island: the rain forces the Aprilia RS-GP machines to the pits after a good FP1 session

21 October 2016

As forecast, the first day of practice at Phillip Island for the Michelin Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix had the weather as its main protagonist. In fact, the second session was initially postponed and then cancelled after just a few moments of action and with many riders staying in the garage in light of the prohibitive track conditions.

In FP1, on the other hand, the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini riders had found a good pace in the wet before the worsening weather conditions kept them from improving their times further. Alvaro Bautista did 15 laps, earning ninth place with a time of 1’42.956, whereas, on the seventh of his twelve laps, Stefan Bradl did a time of 1’43.070 that placed him in eleventh. Both of the Aprilia standard-bearers were then bumped up a position after the penalty inflicted on Valentino Rossi.

ALVARO BAUTISTA

“We did not learn much today. This morning we were able to go out, but already from mid-session the conditions were quite demanding, with a lot of aquaplaning and really wet areas on the circuit. In the afternoon things got worse. In my opinion, suspending the session was the right decision because going out on the track would have been too dangerous. Hopefully tomorrow we will be able to work to prepare for the race, although the least pleasant situation could occur, which would be all sessions in the wet and then a dry race. Without any setup references, it could be difficult for everyone. In that case, we will need to adapt as best we can”.

STEFAN BRADL

“This morning we went out on the track. The quantity of water was acceptable, although already after a few laps it began to rain harder. In any case, the feeling was good. I expected to struggle more since the low temperatures make it more difficult to warm up the tyres. In the afternoon there was no reason to go out. We had those conditions where, instead of learning something, you just take risks. Now all we can do is wait for tomorrow and hope the weather is better”.