Power Electronic Aspar rider Randy De Puniet has carried on from where he left off at Assen six days ago, starting out with the same chassis and suspension set-up that allowed him to finish as the top CRT rider in the Dutch TT. The Frenchman was the fastest of the new machines in the dry today and satisfied with his performance in the wet. His team-mate Aleix Espargaró suffered a setback this morning when he crashed on only the third lap, returning to the track on his second bike but without finding a comfortable setting. His feeling in the wet conditions was much improved, however, leaving him satisfied with his day's work and optimistic about tomorrow.
12th Randy De Puniet 1.24.210 (42 laps): “We were very consistent this morning and it was a positive session for us. Our first long run this afternoon was decent too and after making some adjustments to the suspension the bike performed really well. I finished up four tenths off the fastest CRT in the wet but I lost a lot of time on the final lap because of other riders getting in my way. I'm happy anyway because I am the fastest CRT on the combined time sheets and the feeling with the bike is perfect in the wet and in the dry. I feel very confident and I am looking forward to improving tomorrow. The goal is to have a great weekend and finish as the best CRT again on Sunday when it counts.”
16th Aleix Espargaró 1.24.855 (40 laps): “We had a setback this morning when I crashed on the third lap. I ran wide and then lost control on the grass. The bike was badly damaged and that cost us a lot of time. I went out on the second bike but I didn't feel comfortable and wasn't able to ride as I wanted. In the afternoon it rained so we didn't get chance to try the repaired bike but overall we have to be optimistic and look on the positive side, which is that I felt as comfortable in the wet as I have in a long time. Hopefully tomorrow we get dry weather, which is always more fun and more safe too, although it looks like it could be mixed again. Whatever the weather we will work hard to continue our good form over the last few races.”
Aspar Power Electronic Press Release
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