Andrea Dovizioso finished the first day of free practice action for the TIM San Marino GP in third place today. Racing at his home circuit, the Ducati Team rider set the third quickest time of 1’32.901 in the afternoon after clocking seventh in the FP1 morning run.
Andrea Iannone on the other hand crashed at Turn 13 on the fifth lap in the first free practice session and, rolling over in the gravel, suffered bruising on his back. He was first taken to the circuit medical centre and then in helicopter to the Bufalini Hospital in nearby Cesena. The rider from Vasto had a CT scan which revealed the presence of a fracture of the T3 vertebra. The circuit doctors opted to have a look at Iannone again tomorrow morning before deciding if the Italian can take to the track again in FP3.
Michele Pirro, who is entered as a wild-card rider on the Desmosedici GP of the Ducati Test Team, finished today in 14th place.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 1’32.901 (3rd)
“I am satisfied with how we worked today, and the fact that in the afternoon we made a good step forward. We started off by doing some tyre and set-up tests and we always improved our times, and this is always important. We are in line with the quickest riders but I think that tomorrow we will have to improve even further, in order to stay with the top guys, and so we’ll focus on these final details.”
Andrea Iannone (Ducati Team #29) – 1’34.699 (19th)
“On the fifth lap of FP1 I lost the front at Turn 13, crashed and began to roll in the gravel. Unfortunately I suffered a compression on my back and the checks showed that the T3 vertebra was cracked. The doctors decided to check me again tomorrow morning, before giving me the OK for the race: I hope to get some rest tonight and wake up without being in too much pain, because I am really keen on racing here at Misano.”
Michele Pirro (Ducati Team #51) – 1’33.885 (14th)
“We are not every pleased with today’s performance, but we focussed on a few important tests in view of the race. We picked up some good information and I think that tomorrow it will be possible to make a considerable step forward. The team is working well and I’ll do my best to improve our position tomorrow.”
