Valencian GP: Gresini Racing Friday practice report

HONDA GRESINI RIDERS LOOKING FOR GRIP AT COOL VALENCIA

San Carlo Honda Gresini pair Alex de Angelis and Toni Elias took to the track for the final Grand Prix of the season as free practice got underway at Valencia this afternoon. Pleasant autumn sunshine welcomed the weekend's first fans to the circuit but it did little to raise track temperatures any higher than 17C, making the main focus for both riders on finding rear grip around the short and twisty circuit.

Elias found the conditions particularly challenging, having struggled for rear grip at a variety of circuits throughout the season, and could only manage the fourteenth fastest time, although De Angelis fared better and was an impressive sixth.

Alex De Angelis (6th; 1'34.106): "We've got a slight problem finding grip for the rear, in particular on the right side of the tyre, but I think that's the same for everybody and it is to be expected on the first day here at Valencia. We've also got a little chatter on the front end that we need to solve but in general terms it's a case of making small improvements in three or four areas and we'll be on the pace. I'm happy though because we have made a positive start to the weekend."

Toni Elias (14th 1'34.873): "This is one of the most difficult circuits to find grip at and like in a lot of races this season we have struggled to find it in the first hour of the weekend. We're struggling for stability on the way into the corners and traction on the way out and the cooler temperatures certainly aren't helping -- especially in the right-handers. We'll have a look at the data tonight, make some changes to the bike and I'm sure we'll be more competitive tomorrow."

Fausto Gresini - Team Manager: "Alex has done a good lap time and I'm happy with his performance today. He still has a couple of problems to solve, especially with rear grip in the right-handers, but I'm sure the track conditions will improve as the weekend progresses and no doubt his set-up will too. Toni has a similar problem but is a little further back so we need to work hard with him because this is an important race for him."

-credit: gresini racing