Julian Simon Makes Impressive Return At Sachsenring

As with the other two classes the Moto2 riders struggled for pace today as cool temperatures welcomed the World Championship paddock to the German summer. Home rider Stefan Bradl did his best to set the pace but he was surpassed by no fewer than four riders in an incredibly tight finish to the afternoon session. The circuit’s short length and tight layout is making for some close lap times in the Moto2 class, with an incredible 26 riders all lapping within a single second.

Against all odds MAPFRE Aspar rider Julián Simón was amongst them, just 41 days after breaking his tibia and fibula. The Spaniard showed just why he is a World Champion with the sixth fastest time overall in the opening session, having briefly led the way. In the afternoon he was tenth fastest but just 0.189 off the pacesetter Thomas Lüthi although he faces a major challenge on Sunday when race distance will be a gruelling 29 laps. His team-mate Jordi Torres also served up a pleasant surprise today, the Spaniard getting his first taste of this demanding circuit but lapping just half a second shy of Luthi.

10th Julián Simón 1.25.647 (32 laps):
“Today was a very special day for me, being able to return to action after such a serious injury. It was an amazing feeling to get back on the bike. The first right-hand corner is quite painful for me but the positive thing is that this circuit is anti-clockwise. Despite the pain I was able to ride comfortably and quickly and after this race we have three weeks off so I am sure I will be even stronger at Brno. I am in pain but okay, looking forward to Sunday and seeing how my leg holds out.”

14th Jordi Torres 1.26.030 (49 laps):
“Little by little I am getting used to the bike and the Dunlop tyres, which are really different to what we use in the CEV. I am really happy because every little thing we are trying is coming off and the team are working against the clock as usual to counter the fact that this is a new circuit for me. I have tried to do as many laps as possible to get to know the track without making major changes to the bike. I have to say I didn’t like the track at all for the first few laps because it is small and tricky but gradually I started to learn the direction changes and the drops and rises and I began to enjoy it. I am really happy to be finally sharing a garage with Julián – we need guys like him on the track. You can see he is determined and super fast already.”

Source: Aspar Media