With the sun finally breaking through the clouds at Misano this afternoon Team San Carlo Honda Gresini were able to complete their first dry session of the weekend in qualifying. Alvaro Bautista was fast and consistent throughout, eventually sealing the fifth fastest time and a second row start for tomorrow's race. Michele Pirro was close to being the fastest CRT, giving Team San Carlo Honda Gresini plenty of optimism ahead of their home race.
Alvaro Bautista (5th 1’ 34” 299) “Today we were finally able to get a dry session in and make some changes to the bike that addressed the problems we've been having in recent races. I feel like I have more confidence with the bike now and even though it is still moving around under braking it is not as bad as before and my feeling is better. We were able to maintain a strong pace throughout the session and set the lap time without taking big risks. The second row is positive and now I am feeling confident with the bike. It will be important to start well and stay in touch with the lead group and get back to the level we were at a few races ago. I want to thank all the guys because they have done a great job and I hope I can give them a great result at their home track.”
Michele Pirro (15th 1’ 36” 340) “I am happy. Unfortunately we had a problem with the clutch but the guys did a great job to change it and get me back out on track. I am a few thousandths of a second off the second fastest CRT and the gap to the top guy is not that big so if we can keep this up tomorrow there is no reason why I can't at least fight to be the top CRT. That would be a great result for us.”
Fausto Gresini “What a great day! Alvaro rode well and we were able to try a new suspension package from Showa that worked well and that was important for us. Alvaro has more confidence in the bike and is able to get more out of it. His pace is good and if we can improve in the one part of the track where he's struggling I am confident of a good race tomorrow. Michele also did well, setting practically the same lap time as Espargarò and very close to De Puniet. So I am happy and I hope we can have a good race tomorrow and fight to be the top CRT.”
San Carlo Honda Gresini Press Release
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