Giornata d’esordio sul nuovo tracciato lusitano per il team MV Agusta Forward Racing che sfrutta le libere per iniziare a conoscerne insidie e segreti. L’Autodromo Internazionale di Algarve ha colpito positivamente tutti, pur dimostrandosi fin da subito impegnativo. Dopo le prime due sessioni di libere è già in bolla Stefano Manzi, che ha fin da subito ritrovato un discreto feeling una pista che aveva già affrontato: competitivo fin dal mattino, si è confermato veloce e costante nel pomeriggio. Chiudendo con il 13° tempo di giornata, il pilota romagnolo è, in proiezione, in corsa per l’accesso diretto alla Q2. Qualche difficoltà di adattamento in più per Simone Corsi, qui per la prima volta in assoluto, che ha speso tanto tempo alla ricerca del feeling sulla moto. Dovrà cercare di colmare il gap domattina e poi essere pronto a guadagnare una buona casella di partenza. Si continuerà a lavorare, dunque, per interpretare al meglio i saliscendi di Portimao a partire da domani: appuntamento con le FP3 alle 11:55 ora italiana e dalle 15:10 in poi con le qualifiche. 

PORTUGAL GP – STUDY FRIDAY FOR MANZI AND CORSI

Absolute premiere on the new Lusitanian track for MV Agusta Forward Racing Team which spends the Free Practices to learn danger and secrets of it. The Algarve International Circuit positively impressed everyone, showing a good mix of fun and toughness. After the first two FPs, Stefano Manzi already got circuit’s number: he raced here in the past and regained quickly his confidence: he was fast since this morning and confirmed himself in the afternoon. With the 13th time combined the rider from Romagna could be in fight for the direct access to Q2 tomorrow. Some difficulties adapting for Simone Corsi, racing here for the first time, who worked all the time seeking for a good feeling on the bike. He will try to fill the gap tomorrow morning and be ready to gain a good position on the grid. The work will continue to be in the best conditions possible, tomorrow, to face Portimao’s ups and downs: appointment tomorrow for the FP3 at 11:55 AM (CET) and from 03:10 PM (CET) for the qualifying. 

«It was a good day-1. Last time I was here, 4 years ago l think, I already liked the track. I like it also on a Moto2 bike; the new asphalt has good grip and I was really fine since the beginning. We’ve got 13^th time combined but I still didn’t feel it was 100% ok with the bike. So, me and the team will seek for new solutions for tomorrow and we will try to improve our time».

«It was a difficult day. I felt no feeling with the bike and this track is new and tough. With no confidence I wasn’t able to push and, in this track, you can lose seconds in a blink of an eye. The gap from the top is too wide, so we have to work with the team and then be back tomorrow, ready to push again and closing with satisfaction».

«We are back in Portugal after 8 years, on a very particular and nice track. There are a lot of ups and downs and few blind corners: it’s a fun track to ride. Stefano adapted really quick and closed 13th of the day. He would be qualified for Q2 if tomorrow will be impossible to improve the times. It’s a little bit tough for Simone to find the confidence wit the track, he doesn’t feel comfortable with the front and because for this wasn’t ablet to give his best. We will analyse data and I hope he could take a huge step forward tomorrow».