Team Suzuki Press Office – June 2. Andrea Iannone’s appreciation for the Mugello circuit paid off today in the two free practice sessions, with the Italian rider demonstrating a real confidence and improving his lap time sensibly from the morning to the afternoon. His best lap in FP2 was set in 1’47.807 and is 0.442s from the top of the timesheet, and only 0.060s from the top ten, which would give him direct access to Q2 tomorrow.
An encouraging improvement has also been made by the Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, as he was able to cut nearly one second off from FP1 to FP2. Despite his position at the moment at the bottom of the classification, his work is very beneficial to the team for feedback used in the preparation of the race.
Davide Brivio – Team Manager
Today we were able to work intensively and explore different options. Unfortunately with Andrea we were unable to finish in the top ten, by a just a little, but the job we have done is positive and so far this weekend looks increasingly like a normal weekend, with the normal job of fine tuning in the preparation. We still have some areas in which we can improve. These will be the focus for tomorrow in trying to get a ticket for the Q2. Andrea is also struggling due to a health problem with his stomach and this is making him weaker, thus affecting his riding performance, but technically speaking, we are not so bad. Sylvain has worked intensively to get acquainted with the GSX-RR and the circuit; it’s not easy for him having such little experience with us, but he did make positive improvements and gave us important feedback. I’m confident he will take a step further tomorrow in reducing the gap.”
Andrea Iannone
“I’m very happy about how the GSX-RR is behaving at this circuit. I think this is one of the best for us, where we are best suited. Regrettably, I don’t feel in optimal condition; I have been suffering from a stomach ache for five days and I feel very weak. With the doctors, we are trying to improve the situation and my hope is tonight I will start feeling better, because it would be unfortunate to miss the chance to compete at 100%.”
Sylvain Guintoli
“We had to readapt to the track and try to find a good rhythm, as it appears this is a very complicated track, where you have to commit a lot, at very high speeds. I enjoyed riding the GSX-RR, but for now we have to find a quicker pace. We’ve improved one second from this morning´s practice, which is positive, but we have to carry on with the work and continue to improve. It’s a physical track, but I feel very good and well-prepared. For me it’s a matter of finding some more efficiency at the cornering speeds. From data we saw, which indicated that some areas are already good, in others I still need to improve my riding and the lines.”
GP of Italy – Combined classification after FP2
1. Cal CRUTCHLOW, LCR Honda – 1’47.365 16
2. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Ducati Team – 1’47.394 + 0.029
3. Jonas FOLGER, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 – 1’47.543 +0.178
4. Michele PIRRO, Ducati Team – 1’47.595 + 0.230
5. Maverick VIÑALES, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP – 1’47.669 +0.304
6. Johann ZARCO, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 – 1’47.674 + 0.309
7. Dani PEDROSA, Repsol Honda Team – 1’47.699 +0.334
8. Hector BARBERA, Reale Avintia Racing – 1’47.708 + 0.343
9. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Pull&Bear Aspar Team – 1’47.728 +0.363
10. Jorge LORENZO, Ducati Team – 1’47.747 +0.382
11. Andrea IANNONE, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR – 1’47.807 +0.442
12. Danilo PETRUCCI, OCTO Pramac Racing – 1’47.950 +0.585
13. Marc MARQUEZ, Repsol Honda Team – 1’47.980 + 0.615
14. Valentino ROSSI, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP – 1’48.000 +0.635
15. Scott REDDING, OCTO Pramac Racing – 1’48.111 +0.746
16. Aleix ESPARGARO, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini – 1’48.129 +0.764
17. Jack MILLER, EG 0,0 Marc VDS – 1’48.560 +1.195
18. Tito RABAT, EG 0,0 Marc VDS – 1’48.664 +1.299
19. Loris BAZ, Reale Avintia Racing – 1’48.751 +1.386
20. Sam LOWES, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini – 1’48.842 +1.477
21. Karel ABRAHAM, Pull&Bear Aspar Team – 1’48.925 +1.560
22. Pol ESPARGARO, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 1’49.524 +2.159
23. Bradley SMITH, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 1’49.640 +2.275
24. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR – 1’50.054 +2.689
