Faubel riding through the pain and looking for more improvement on Saturday

Jetlag or not there were no excuses for the Moto3 World Championship riders this morning as they set their alarms to take to the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic for first free practice and the eleventh round of the 2012 season. Their cause wasn’t helped by soaring late summer heat in this part of inland Europe, where ambient temperatures touched 30º with 41% humidity, although it didn’t stop them from dramatically improving their times from the morning to the afternoon.

Just a week after joining the MAPFRE Aspar Team and making a stunning debut with a podium at Indianapolis Jonas Folger again upset the applecart with the fastest time of the opening session. A few set-up changes from the base that served him so well in the USA did not have the desired effect this afternoon though and the German youngster finished the day seventh fastest overall. Héctor Faubel returned to action less than a week after being admitted to hospital in Indianapolis, the veteran Spaniard easing himself back with the 23rd fastest time.

23rd Héctor Faubel 2.11.630 (26 laps): “I thought the most painful thing would be my elbow but it was actually my ribs, particularly in the left-hand corners. Depending on how much rest I get tonight I might have to have a painkilling injection before qualifying tomorrow afternoon. Things went pretty well on track this morning and I felt comfortable this afternoon but with twelve minutes remaining I stopped to change tyres and we couldn’t get the bike started again. I imagine it is because the engine has reached maximum mileage. In general I am happy, today was just a case of getting a feel for the bike again after the crash and I am sure we can move up the order tomorrow, especially if we can find some more grip.”

Source: Aspar Team Press Release