Julian Simon Hoping To Get Closer To Top On Day Two
An unusual first day at the Grand Prix of Aragon was cut short just after lunch, with an electrical shortage leaving the circuit without timing monitors or any kind of power in the pit-lane. This morning’s opening free practice gives us an idea of what to expect from the Moto2 race this weekend, with local knowledge proving key so far as Marc Márquez and Aleix Espargaró set the early pace. Intense heat and the demanding circuit layout could mean the situation changes dramatically across the final two practice sessions.
MAPFRE Aspar regulars Julián Simón and Jordi Torres were joined in the box today by Elena Rosell, who returns to the Moto2 World Championship after her initial experience at Assen. The MAPFRE Aspar trio spent the morning getting a feel for the Motorland circuit and were hoping to make major improvements in the afternoon, before their day was surprisingly cut short. All three had exercised caution this morning, Simón and Torres because of their ongoing recovery from leg and hand injuries respectively and Elena as she adapted to the surroundings after a tough first outing in Holland.
20th Julián Simón 1.56.397 (15 laps):
“It was a short day because we only had one session and it wasn’t very productive because we spent the whole session on one tyre. The set-up is not clearly defined yet and that meant that the tyre didn’t work as it should. I stopped a few times this morning to work on the set-up but I still didn’t get a good feeling and that is why we are a little way down on the time sheets. The good thing is that the leg is hardly hurting at all here and the fact the majority of corners are to the left is a big help. I am sure we can be closer to the top tomorrow – hopefully we get to work in normal conditions.”
25th Jordi Torres 1.56.744 (20 laps):
“It was important we took things steadily today and got used to the Dunlop tyres again because I was using Michelins in the Spanish Championship last weekend and the difference is massive. It was enjoyable to finally be back at a track I know and not have to tiptoe around finding reference points. We did a good job this morning and the plan was to push harder this afternoon but we were cut short. We’ll continue working hard for the rest of the weekend, take things with care and the results will come. Without putting pressure on ourselves this can be a good weekend.”
39th Elena Rosell 2.01.049 (17 laps):
“The last time I rode in the World Championship I felt very nervous so I took things calmly this morning and got that weight off my shoulders. The objective was to put some laps together and gradually get a feel for everything. I am happy because I feel we can achieve a lot with hard work this weekend. It is a shame the second session was cancelled because we need to gather as much experience as possible. We will keep working hard tomorrow but overall I feel good. This Moto2 bike is very different to the one I ride in the Spanish Championship, especially the tyres, and there is a lot to learn but we’re on the right lines.”
Source: Aspar Media
