Lack of front stability and rear traction leaves Bautista struggling on first day at Mugello

Progress was slow on the opening day of the Italian Grand Prix for Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini after a rain-hit morning session meant that the riders only had one full dry session on track. During the time spent on the bike Alvaro Bautista struggled to get comfortable and needs to make some major steps in tomorrow’s final free practice before qualifying takes place in the afternoon.

Alvaro Bautista (11th 1’49”733) “I am not really happy, because we didn’t get much track time this morning and then in the afternoon I struggled for confidence on the bike. We are lacking front stability under braking and the rear traction wasn’t the best either in corner entry or exit. Obviously it seems the Yamaha is a more competitive package here, but we are still a long way behind the other Hondas. We will work hard to improve the situation tomorrow.”

Fausto Gresini “It was a strange day and unfortunately it didn’t go to plan for us. We are not far off the second group, even though the position isn’t the best. However, I am confident and I think that if we work well we can close the gap tomorrow. We need to, because this is a very important Grand Prix to us and it hasn’t gone well for the past few years. We have to believe in ourselves, and we do.”

Source: Gresini Racing
Photo: Honda Pro Images