MotoGP – QP1 Rio, problems with the asphalt for Byrne and McWilliams

Shakey Byrne, made his debut on the Nelson Piquet circuit in Rio de Janeiro with a time of 1'53.194 which is worth 21st position for the provisional grid of the Brazilian GP, ​​while his teammate, Jeremy McWilliams placed his RSCube in 17th place, stopping the clock at 1'51”579.
A new debut for Byrne in Brazil; the Rio track, in fact, is among those never traveled by the English driver.

“I feel 100% physically fit,” says Byrne. During free practice I started to get the hang of this track which seems very challenging to me especially due to the imperfections of the asphalt in some corners. I have to learn and the official practice session also helped me do this. The guys on the team are helping me along this path, I must say that they are providing me with all the support they can.”

Better is Jeremy McWilliams, who, despite never having ridden in Rio on the RSCube, can take advantage of his experience in the world championship.

“We have some problems with the suspension – explains Jeremy – but we are working to make everything work as best as possible on this certainly not perfect asphalt. MotoGP bikes are not designed to work with suspensions that are too soft, so if on the one hand we have solved the problem of potholes, we have some difficulties when cornering with the bike which tends not to hold the line on exit. I believe we will continue to work on the bike in tomorrow's free practice to try to improve our grid position in the second qualifying round.”

Racing Aprilia