RODRIGO ON GOOD FORM AT MUGELLO, ROSSI ONE SECOND AWAY FROM THE TOP
The heat and the big crowds already in the paddock and on the grandstands have marked the first day of action at Mugello International Circuit, with Team Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 beginning their charge in what is the first of two home Grand Prix.
Currently at his first-ever appearance on a Honda here,Gabri Rodrigo did not disappoint as he was second-fastest in FP1 before finishing the day with the sixth-fastest time – only two tenths of a second shy of the provisional pole position. The Argentine rider, under the guidance of Massimo Capanna, has worked hard on his race pace as he mostly lapped on his own around the spectacular Tuscan track while finding a good feeling with his NSF250RW. Rodrigo only struggled a little on the last sector, where the strong winds affected what could have been a top-spot performance.
Riccardo Rossi had a good start to the Italian weekend, on a track that saw him winning the CIV Moto3 race last year. His 20thquickest time is only one second shy of the top and that leaves him in contention for direct access to Q2 – which is only three tenths away at the moment. To do so, the youngster will need to improve the feeling with the front-end of his Honda, which is a little critical at the moment especially on fast right-handers.
6th– GABRI RODRIGO #19
“I’m really happy. Compared to last year we had a good start and felt well aboard the Honda, despite losing a few tenths of a second on the straight as I was lapping alone. I set some interesting times and finished sixth which is promising – especially as we’re two tenths away from the top. We have a similar pace to the one showed by Martin here last year, so tomorrow it will be important to find a good qualifying position, which is extremely important here. There was a lot of headwind today in the last sector and that’s where we lose the most time without slipstream, but I don’t think it’s a line problem. In any case we will try to find some solutions to lose less time there.”
20th– RICCARDO ROSSI #54
“I’m quite happy with today. It’s obvious that we could do better as in the second session – unlike most of my opponents – I couldn’t find a good time. Having said that, I’m one second away from the top, which means that if we find a few more tenths of a second I would be a lot higher up. To be racing in front of the home crowd is obviously a big plus, so we’ll try to be among the protagonists tomorrow.”
