Pons, Espargaro and Rabat hampered by intermittent rain on first day

The forecasts of rain came true on midday at the Jerez circuit, location of the Spanish Grand Prix and first European round of the world championship this season, complicating the setup work of the riders. The rain and windy conditions had a big effect on the proceedings, but were very inconsistent, so only very few conclusions could be found after the two first practice sessions, more in terms of feeling than on the technical side.

Axel Pons took advantage of the conditions the best, posting the 7th fastest laptime in the first minutes of the session when it was still possible to use slicks. Pol Espargaró and Tito Rabat were further behind afer being hampered by the intermittent rain.

The three riders of Pons 40 HP Tuenti rode in wetter and windier conditions in the morning when Pol Espargaró was the fastest of the trio with a 7th position like his teammate in the afternoon.

The forecast for the rest of the weekend predicts more rain and with more stable weather the three riders hope to confirm their settings and gain confidence on the consistently wet track.

7. AXEL PONS, 1.56.504
“We’ve risked a bit with the selection of the tyres and we started well, we got the laptime and afterwards the track conditions didn’t allow to go fast. In the morning I concentrated on riding a lot and gain confidence on the bike and in the afternoon I looked for the result, because the work didn’t allow to take too many conclusions.”

11. POL ESPARGARÓ, 1.57.474
“It’s been a shame, because it started to rain halfway through the session, but not enough that it was worth changing the setting of the bike for it and going out to risk anything. And also, just after the end the sun came out and dried the track. It’s been a difficult day for riding a bike, but I’m left with my pace from the first practice, improving every time and staying among the fastest throughout the session. Last year it was difficult for me to go fast in the wet and today I was comfortable and this gives me confidence for the future.”

24. TITO RABAT, 2.00.587
“A difficult day and I prefer to move on quickly. In the morning I found it difficult to pick up the pace, but in the end I made a step forward and began to be more at ease. In the afternoon, when it rained and stopped again, we preferred not to risk it and wait for tomorrow. I hope if it rains it won’t be like today, which was intermittent and made it like a lottery. And then the sun came out just after we finished!”

Source: Pons Racing