16 positions recovered in FP2 for Simone Corsi, and 8 for Baldassarri, the work continues ahead of FP3.
The Catalan circuit today kicked off the 7th round of the season for the MV Agusta Forward Racing team. After an uphill start this morning, the second free practice session saw Corsi and Baldassarri make up 13 and 8 positions respectively.
Simone Corsi, who this morning was not able to find the right feeling with the bike, in FP2 was able to significantly improve his sensations: “compared to FP1 we have fixed the front and worked on the fork; this has given more confidence to the rider. We also made a small change to the engine braking and that helped to improve the pace. The fact that we didn’t do the tests is definitely not helping, but we are slowly catching up with the others,” says Marco Anfesi, his telemetry technician.
Lorenzo Baldassari, on the other side of the box, coming back from the heavy crash suffered during the Mugello GP, after a complicated start of the day was able to improve the feeling with his F2 during the afternoon session. “After a difficult FP1, we straightened out the day, both in terms of times and performance. We have worked on the bike’s balance when braking, and we still have a good margin for improvement”. This is the declaration of Riccardo Vareschi, Baldassarri’s technical chief.
With the pit lids closed, Saturday’s appointment at the Barcelona Catalunya circuit is set for 10.55am with the third free practice session. Qualifying will follow from 15.10.
Simone Corsi – Rider #24
“I am happy with how the second session went compared to this morning. We didn’t test here before Mugello so in FP1 we needed a few laps to learn the new corner of the circuit. The team worked well in the break between FP1 and FP2, we changed the setting, in fact in the afternoon I felt better and the feeling was good. The goal remains to enter directly into Q2, we did not succeed today but it was important to find the right feeling with the new layout. The grip is not the best on this track but here in Barcelona it is the same for everyone, we will work on the rear in view of tomorrow to do our best”.
Lorenzo Baldassarri – Rider #7
“Today was a first day where in the morning it was a bit complicated because of a problem with the front tyre. In the afternoon we were in better shape considering that the temperatures have risen and that I haven’t tested here in Barcelona. In any case we will work to progress and get into Q2”.