The Octo Pramac Racing’s weekend at the Motegi Twin Ring circuit starts well.
Danilo Petrucci overcomes the physical problems that debilitated him before his departure for Japan and finds a convincing feeling in wet Friday’s free practices. The rider Terni ends up FP2 in 6th position setting the highest speed (299.0 km/h) recorded on the track.
Scott starts well (3rd in FP1) but in the afternoon he doesn’t manage to get back to the morning conditions, having to contend with lack of grip on the rear. The English rider finishes the first day of activity for the Gran Prix of Japan in 14th place.
6th – Danilo Petrucci 1’55.541
“It was a good day. This is a particular track, with excellent grip on the front but we will have to improve in braking areas. In the FP2 I did a long run with a very good pace. I missed the fastest lap but I’m satisfied. We will have to work a little bit on the set up but I am confident that we can stay with the leading group”.
14th – Scott Redding 1’56.680
“Things went well this morning. I had a good grip and the sensations were positive. In the afternoon we made some changes but I didn’t find grip on the rear. If I have to be honest, I am a bit confused and I do not understand why I wasn’t able to improve. We must work to find something that can help in sight of tomorrow’s qualifying”.