Rins and Mir get to grips on Friday in Misano

Alex Rins: 13th – 1’33.015 (+ 0.826)
Joan Mir: 15th – 1’33.124 (+ 0.935)

After a two week break, track action has resumed at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Team Suzuki Ecstar had a steady start at the beginning of this double-header as they prepare for what’s sure to be an action-packed Grand Prix.

Alex Rins took time to gauge the feeling following the short break, and to get to grips with the new track surface during the morning’s FP1 session. He set a best time of 1’34.040 and completed a 20 lap run. He brought pace into FP2, topping the session at the start and managing to set the fastest time again later on. He then switched focus to settings, and had a best time of 1’33.018, over a second faster than FP1.

Conversely, Joan Mir was quick from the beginning of FP1, where he finished sixth. But in the afternoon’s FP2 he focused on putting in a long run of 20 laps and working on settings with his GSX-RR. He felt comfortable with his used tyre form, and with the set-up in general. He finished Friday with a 1’33.124.

Alex Rins:

“This first day has been OK, but I still want to make a few adjustments in order to feel a bit better on the front end. We are going to work on this and I’m sure we can find something. I did a lot of laps on used tyres in FP1, and also in FP2 I tried different tyre options, and this has helped us to collect information coming into tomorrow. We need to change some things but we’re prepared for Saturday’s sessions.”

Joan Mir:

“At the moment we haven’t shown one lap pace to be at the top, but the truth is that my pace on a used tyre is actually pretty good – I feel comfortable and had great feeling. I had a moment when I tried to do a flying lap at the end of the session and I had to use my motocross skills in the gravel! But we’re ready for FP3 tomorrow morning and I’m confident that I can be strong.”