Strong start to Aragon weekend for Redding
Aragon, Spain – 25 September 2015: Scott Redding was relaxed after finishing 12th quickest on the opening day of practice ahead of this weekend's Aragon Grand Prix. The Briton has brought the momentum of a first MotoGP podium of his career to Aragon and looked confident on his Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS liveried Honda RC213V throughout the day at the Spanish circuit.
Some traffic baulked Redding during his fastest lap in the afternoon session and cost the British rider time. However, with almost perfect conditions at Motorland Aragon the 22-year-old felt strong and comfortable on his Honda RC213V from the outset. Having been fifth fastest in the opening practice session Redding has shown that he has carried his recent form forward to Aragon.
The focus will now shift to finishing in the top ten of FP3 to ensure automatic progress to the QP2 shootout. Qualifying, or more accurately avoiding the opening qualifying session, has been a constant thorn in Redding's side this year but with his confidence on the bike growing he is well placed for a strong weekend in Spain.
Scott Redding: 12th – 1’49.007
“I'm feeling okay after today. We still have the same problem on used tyres and we're struggling for traction a little, but in the afternoon I felt good. When we put in the new tyre I was baulked a bit on my fastest lap so I'm not really disappointed because I don't feel that this final position reflects where we are this weekend. I felt quite comfortable on the bike and now we're going to try and find something to help with rear grip for free practice and qualifying tomorrow.”
Chris Pike: Chief Engineer
“It's been another positive start to the weekend. We dropped outside the top ten in the second session but we were asking for a little bit too much from our front tyre with a new rear tyre fitted. But the balance of the bike is basically quite good this weekend and now we're looking to find more consistent grip because we're a little bit harsh on the tyres at the moment. We need to find something to help with that.”