The minimal differences between the lap times in the Moto2 class held firm today around one of the longest circuits on the calendar as the top fifteen riders all rode within the same second in the opening free practice session at Sepang. Pol Espargaró set the pace but he was closely followed by the likes of Marc Márquez, Bradley Smith, Tito Rabat and Nico Terol. The situation was turned on its head somewhat in the afternoon thanks to a heavy downpour just a few minutes into the day's second session, forcing the riders back into the pit to change to wet tyres and adapt their set-up to the torrential conditions.
It was a positive day for the MAPFRE Aspar Team in all weather, Terol clocking the seventh fastest time overall thanks to his efforts this morning, when he set a consistent pace in the 2'08s. With work to do particularly in the final sector Nico finds himself just four tenths off the fastest lap of the day and feeling optimistic also about his wet setting. Jordi Torres was equally satisfied after improving on his lap times here from last year in the space of just one session. He also felt good in the wet conditions and is hopeful of improving on nineteenth position when the action resumes tomorrow.
7th Nico Terol 2.08.467 (28 laps):
“I am happy with the job we have done today. I had a good feeling on the dry track this morning and felt comfortable from the start, which meant I could push without taking too many risks. We are four tenths off the fastest time and I think that's good for the first session. The best thing is that I set the time on my own and was able to stay in a consistent rhythm of 2'08s. I felt good at the start of the session this afternoon even though the track was damp and then when it rained we were able to try some wet settings and we improved on every lap. It was probably one of my best wet sessions ever.”
19th Jordi Torres 2.09.420 (29 laps):
“We tried some geometry changes today that we have been planning since Japan. We have altered the wheelbase and played around with the weight balance and the feeling was really good so it looks like we have gone the right way. We spent the morning experimenting and didn't push for a lap time. The plan was to do that this afternoon as well as making a couple more changes but the rain came. It gave us the chance to try a wet setting and be prepared in case we get a wet race. In general I am happy because I've improved my lap times from last year already and that was without even pushing.”
Mapfre Aspar Moto2 Press Release
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