Indianapolis GP: Gresini Racing Friday practice report

INCLEMENT INDIANAPOLIS NO PROBLEM FOR DE ANGELIS AS ELIAS STRUGGLES FOR WET SET-UP The MotoGP World Championship returned to the 'Brickyard' today to find similar conditions to those that forced the interrupt the inaugural Indianapolis Grand Prix ...

INCLEMENT INDIANAPOLIS NO PROBLEM FOR DE ANGELIS AS ELIAS STRUGGLES FOR WET SET-UP

The MotoGP World Championship returned to the 'Brickyard' today to find similar conditions to those that forced the interrupt the inaugural Indianapolis Grand Prix last year, with heavy rain making life difficult for the riders on an already slippery circuit.

San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Alex de Angelis coped impressively with the conditions, backing up his recent good form to lap second fastest throughout most of the opening free practice session before dropping to fifth in the last few moments. Toni Elias was not as comfortable as his team-mate today, struggling in particular with the standing water on the track, and is hoping for better weather in tomorrow's final free practice and qualifying sessions.

Alex De Angelis (5th; 1'52.264): "This is a strange circuit when it rains because there are so many different kinds of asphalt and there are areas where there is loads of grip and others where the water doesn't drain so you aquaplane. In one single lap you get a bit of everything but I felt comfortable today and was able to push from the start. We made a change to the bike that improved it a little and I think we have a good starting point for the rest of the weekend."

Toni Elias (14th 1'55.788): "The conditions were difficult today but they are the same for everybody and we have to accept that we were not fast enough. I'm not happy at all. We don't have a good wet set-up so if the conditions are the same tomorrow we have no alternative but to improve. I was losing control of the bike every time I hit a puddle and we need to work out how to get more contact with the ground. Hopefully the weather improves tomorrow because I think we would all prefer to ride in the dry, not just me."

Fausto Gresini - Team Manager: "I'm really happy with the way Alex has started this weekend in Indianapolis. To be on the pace with the fastest guys from the start is a good sign for the race. I know it is a track he likes but he has also shown that he has come here to America willing to work hard and determined do well. Toni struggled a little with the set-up of his bike today but as always the team will work hard alongside him to help him improve his feeling."