Portuguese GP: Gresini Racing Friday practice report

SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI RIDERS RETURN TO ACTION AT ESTORIL

San Carlo Honda Gresini riders Alex de Angelis and Toni Elias were back on board their Honda RC212V machines today as the MotoGP World Championship resumed following a month break at the Estoril circuit in Portugal.

The enforced hiatus has done nothing to halt De Angelis' good recent momentum as the San Marino rider clocked the ninth fastest time although he was hindered by a head cold, which he has been suffering for the last couple of days. It is tough luck for Alex, who struggled with a 39C fever in the race at this circuit last year. Across the garage it was another difficult start to a race weekend for Elias, who again struggled to find a set-up for his machine in the opening session, as he has done at many circuits this season. However, the Spaniard and his crew have tended to work a solution out on the second day and he is hopeful of a similar outcome tomorrow as he searches for crucial rear grip.

Alex De Angelis (9th; 1'38.629): "I started with the cold a couple of days ago and it is a real problem because I'm all bunged up and it is difficult for me to breathe. With the way the doping regulations are I can't afford to risk taking any strong medication but I've been working hard with the Clinica Mobile staff to find a way to clear it up. Hopefully I'm feeling better tomorrow because we clearly have potential here and a lot of margin for improvement. The bike is moving around a lot under braking and acceleration, which means we're losing time on the way into the corners and on the way out. If we can find a better all round set-up tomorrow and if I'm in better shape myself I'm sure we can be even more competitive."

Toni Elias (15th 1'39.567): "We've started out badly again and it is frustrating but it's something we've been used to this season. Basically I'm struggling for rear traction, which is a familiar problem for us. Unfortunately at this circuit it is a particularly important part of the set-up because there are a lot of corners where you lose time if you don't have drive on the exit. Like I say, it's not a good start but we've been here many times and I'm confident that between myself and my guys we can work something out. "

Fausto Gresini - Team Manager: "It wasn't a spectacular first session for us but there were some positive signs to build on. Alex set some interesting lap times despite his physical condition and some problems with his set-up, whilst Toni has struggled again. We have a lot of work to do but I have a lot of faith in our two riders and believe they can both be competitive by Sunday if we can make the necessary improvements to the package."

-credit: gresini racing