Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Augusto Fernandez and Sam Lowes fought for the top three in both Free Practice sessions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya today.

• The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s 200^th Grand Prix could not have got off to a better start when Fernandez led Lowes for a dream 1-2 at the end of an FP1 session run under cloudy skies but with temperatures still hitting a warm 25 degrees.
• Track temperature increased by 15 degrees for FP2 but Fernandez and Lowes were still able to set competitive lap times to comfortably book provisional places in tomorrow’s Q2.

/// AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ: 2nd, 1:43.703, 32 laps

• Fernandez used the knowledge and data gathered during a recent private test at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya to lead FP1 with a stunning lap of 1:43.703 that put him clear of the chasing pack by the big margin of 0.150s.
• The 23-year-old crashed uninjured at turn 12 shortly before the halfway stage of FP2 but he was still able to complete a positive first day in second position on the combined standings.

“I know I can do well this weekend”

“I immediately felt very good on the bike this morning after the test we did here before Mugello. I felt good at the test, and I know I can do well this weekend and I quickly found a good feeling in FP1, and it was a good boost to be fastest. It was nice to already have a base set-up to work with and that allowed me to try a few things with my riding style. I had a small crash in FP2 that was completely my fault but nothing to worry about because I wasn’t even pushing. We struggled a little more in the afternoon with the extra temperature and we have to pay attention to this because it could be similar conditions on Sunday.”

/// SAM LOWES: 3^rd, 1:43.853, 38 laps

• The Briton started the weekend in excellent fashion and a lap of 1’43.853 on his 19^th and final lap slotted him into second position behind impressive teammate Fernandez this morning.
• Lowes was one of only three riders who posted times in the 1’43 bracket in both sessions today and having finished third quickest overall, the 30-year-old is confident he can challenge for a fifth front row in seven races tomorrow.

“I believe I’ve shown good pace”

“I always enjoy riding at this track and last year I had a very strong race, so it’s always a positive feeling to return to a circuit where you know you can be strong. I’m happy with today and while some other guys have shown they have good pace, I believe I do too. I improved a bit this afternoon even though the track conditions weren’t ideal. We had a look at two different directions today with the set-up and we can now look at the data tonight to check which one gives me the best chance of being right up there again.”