Marco Simoncelli dominated the first day of free practice at Estoril today, the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider setting the fastest lap in both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Simoncelli made a determined start to the day, setting a quick and consistent pace from the first lap, and if he can maintain this level of performance tomorrow he is sure to be a contender for honours on Sunday. Having missed out on the podium by just 0.059 seconds last year and crashing out of the lead at Jerez three weeks ago the Italian has certainly signalled his intentions here.
Hiroshi Aoyama also found the confidence with his Honda to be lapping in sight of the pacesetters today. Work continues for both riders in tomorrow’s final free practice and qualifying sessions.
Click Here to Read More
MotoGP: Marco Simoncelli Fastest in First Practice at Estoril
MotoGP: Portuguese Grand Prix - First Practice Results
MotoGP: Marco Simoncelli Fastest in Second Practice at Estoril
MotoGP: Portuguese Grand Prix - Second Practice Results
Marco Simoncelli (1st 1’37.663) “The day went well and I am happy. I was fast already in the morning but with few small changes we were able to stay at the top in the afternoon. I had a little crash but I’m not worried because I know exactly what I did wrong. I have always gone well at Estoril and so far this year it is looking more than promising. Last year I was in touching distance of the podium so a good result on Sunday would be to improve that 2010 performance by two or three positions. In the dry we can be in the mix. We started out with the same setting as Jerez and it went really well. We will have to see what happens in the wet but we shouldn’t have the same problems as Jerez. We’ll see tomorrow but for today we are happy.”
Hiroshi Aoyama (11th 1’ 38.645) “We started by comparing some different set-up solutions and the overall result was interesting. We’ll keep working on it tomorrow to try and improve our position. We’ll see how it goes in practice tomorrow morning and do our best to be ready for a competitive showing in qualifying in the afternoon.”
Fausto Gresini “That wasn’t bad for the first day! We are really happy with Marco’s position and pace. He is motivated and has a good feeling with the bike. Obviously we have to improve but the base is already very good. He had a little crash but it didn’t affect the work the team had to do today and he was able to set some good times on his second bike, with a lot of laps on them. Last year he just missed out on the podium and he is still annoyed about what happened at Jerez so these are positive factors for him right now. Hiroshi is not far off the positions that count and he is also improving race by race so I couldn’t be happier today.”
| 
|