Pedrosa 5th on day one in Mugello as Marquez escapes serious injury after crash

The first day of free practice for the Italian GP was both productive and dramatic for the Repsol Honda Team.

The track was still wet in the morning session and with just 14ºc track temperature both Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez began the session on wet option tyres. However, towards the end of the session a dry line began to appear and both riders went out on the soft option slick tyres for the final 10 minutes with Marc taking the fastest time of the session (1’54.797) and Dani in 8th (1’56.534).

In the afternoon’s FP2 session, track temperatures had doubled to 28ºC and the team began their proper setup programme for Sunday’s race. Unfortunately, Marc suffered a big crash midway through the session. On lap 10 as he came over the hill on the straight, he lost the front under braking. Medical staff were quick to reach him and after 45 minutes in the medical centre he was taken for treatment in clinica mobile with a heavily swollen chin – caused by the impact of his head hitting the ground, and some contusions to his shoulder, elbow and forearm. He finished the session 14th with a time of 1’50.210 taken on lap 5 of 9, completed before the accident.

Dani, who struggled with grip throughout the session, finished in 5th with a fastest time of 1’49.383 set on his final lap of 18.

Dani Pedrosa – 5th – 1’49.383
“Today’s practice wasn’t that good for us. We had problem with grip and lacked rear traction and the bike wasn’t at its best because of that. We also didn’t have a great feeling with the tyres. In the morning session the track was half wet, half dry, so we couldn’t take any solid data from that but we hope to improve all-round for tomorrow”

Marc Marquez – 14th – 1’50.210
“Just after the hill on the straight I grabbed for the brakes but I closed the front. I tried to save it but the bike was pulling me towards the wall so I jumped from the bike to avoid hitting it. I hit my chin hard and strained my neck quite badly, I also have some contusions to my right shoulder, arm and leg but other than that I’m ok. Thanks to all the medical team that were quickly on the scene to assist me. Now I need to rest and see how I feel later tonight and in the morning”

Source: Repsol Honda Team