Simon fourth fastest despite shortened track time

Heat is to Sepang what rain is to Phillip Island and after the soaring temperatures in Malaysia last week, the Australian venue gave the MotoGP paddock its traditional welcome of cold, wind and heavy showers today. A flooded track had to be cleared ahead of free practice this afternoon although by the time the Moto2 riders went out it was practically dry and the majority of riders waited in their pit garages until it was safe to go out on slick tyres. Alex De Angelis set the fastest time of the session, followed closely by Scott Redding, Fonsi Nieto and Mapfre Aspar rider Julian Simón.

Simón was one of those who stayed in his garage until a dry line had formed, using the final half hour to swiftly put himself amongst the frontrunners. The Spaniard set his fastest lap on his last of fifteen, finishing fourth overall – four tenths from the fastest time. Di Meglio’s best effort came on his sixteenth of twenty, enough for his best start to a weekend all season in seventh place.

4th Julián Simón 1.36.769 (15 laps): “I am really happy because even though it may not have looked like it we were able to get some dry laps in at the end. It wasn’t the kind of day you want to really go out and ride because of the wind and cold but we were able to get a lot of data and we are pretty clear about set-up if it’s a dry race – especially the gearbox setting and tyre choice. Hopefully the conditions are better tomorrow and we don’t suffer as much on track. Even though the track dried out there were still a few dirty sections where it was difficult to pick a good line. We have only got half an hour of track time in today but it was enough to set a good pace and make gradual improvements.”

Source: Mapfre Aspar Team