MotoGP – Estoril Free Practice – Randy De Puniet is satisfied

Team LCR returns to Europe this weekend after the three races overseas which took place in Japan, Malaysia and Australia but the first day of testing for the Portuguese GP was characterized by pouring rain, strong winds and even some thunder so much so that the premier class riders spent the 45 minutes of the first free practice session comfortably seated in the garage including Team LCR Honda MotoGP rider Randy de Puniet who was hoping for better time for the afternoon tests.

The proximity to the ocean means that the Portuguese track is characterized by constantly changing weather conditions and in fact a pale sun appeared in the afternoon for the second round of testing which saw Lorenzo set the best time in 1'48.552. The 29-year-old Frenchman riding RC212V no. 14 completed a long run of 24 laps with an excellent pace in the wet, finishing in 7th place (1'50.043).

De Puniet: “This morning I was hoping that the weather would improve and finally the rain gave us a break in the afternoon session. As at Phillip Island I decided to go out for a long run and also check the track conditions and I immediately went very fast. I decided not to return to the garage and for the entire duration of the session my pace fluctuated between 1st and 4th place. Naturally at the end of the session the others improved but I had already tried everything we had listed, especially the engine braking and the mapping. It was a really good first outing and I can say I'm not too worried about the bad weather because we are happy with our pace in the wet.”

LCR