Complicated Friday for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing in Catalunya
#CatalanGP- 24th May 2024

Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio struggled to match the pace of the strongest guys and ended the Day1 respectively in 15th and 17th place

Barcelona (Spain), May 24th 2024 - More difficult start than expected for Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio at the Catalan GP which takes place this weekend at Montmeló. Between crashes and yellow flags at the end of the session, the riders of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team are struggling to catch the pace of the leading group and will be forced into Q1 tomorrow (10.50 am local time).

Step forward between the two practices, but 15th overall lap time and gap of 8 tenths from the Top riders (A. Espargaro, 1'38.562) for Marco who set a best lap time of 1'39.382.

Fabio was forced to the garage in the last run due to a double crash in the Practice and thus was unable to improve his 1'39.479, a lap time which means the 17th place.

Flickr

Marco Bezzecchi - 72

I was a bit surprised, I have struggle a lot when braking, especially on the straight. I can't stop the bike well and then I have some problems when cornering. It's a feeling that I already had at the beginning of the year, then in the last few races, we had made a good step forward, but here, with this type of grip conditions, I felt it again. We need to work on electronics and in riding to find a good balance and be able to close the gap.

Fabio Di Giannantonio - 49

We have struggled, especially this afternoon. I push a lot, but the bike is nervous when exiting corners, too reactive. I have no traction, I'm strong when entering corners and I often ride at the limit. It's a shame about the two crashes, I don't know if I would have been able to reach the Top10, but I certainly would have tried to make the most of the last 10 minutes of the session. Tomorrow will be a crucial day, the Sprint data on tire management will be the key for Sunday's GP. The goal is to do a good qualifying and get closer.