With the tenth fastest time on the first day, the Italian rider of the Suzuki team managed to barely reach the top 10, which could possibly be useful if it rained during the third session.
After an electronics problem caused him to lose time in the morning, Iannone was able to complete numerous laps to gather important information that proved very useful for the afternoon session. In fact, he found more confidence on his GSX-RR and improved his time in FP2, finishing qualified in virtual Q2.
Andrea Iannone:
“Friday was difficult. We improved in the afternoon, but still not enough. It is not easy. It's a problem we've always had, and it's evident to a greater or lesser extent depending on the circuit. We're working on it, but I'm struggling. This is what I have to adapt to.
“We have tried to take steps to improve the machine, but so far we have not found the right way forward. We improved, but not enough, so we're back with basic settings.
“We have to keep studying and we hope to come up with better ideas for Saturday. I'm quite happy with the hard tires. I rode well with them, while I was still struggling with the softs. »
For Davide Brivio, the team manager: “ It was a very intense day of work, as we are always looking for a good electronic setup. Andrea improved in the afternoon and managed to stay in the provisional top 10.
“Although I think our potential is greater, we need to finalize a better package to give him the possibility to run faster. With Alex we had a problem at the start of FP2, when we broke an engine and it changed our program. However, he was able to make improvements. He's still struggling a bit with ankle pain that's preventing him from enjoying the machine 100%, but he's making solid progress. »
Combined ranking of the first two sessions (compiled by our friends at Crash.net):
1. Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 2m 04.061
2. Johann Zarco FRA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1)* 2m 04.347s +0.286
3. Maverick Vinales ESP Movistar Yamaha MotoGP (YZR-M1) 2m 04.451s +0.390
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Movistar Yamaha MotoGP (YZR-M1) 2m 04.806s +0.745
5. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 2m 04.811s +0.750
6. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP17) 2m 04.830s +0.769
7. Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda (RC213V) 2m 05.005s +0.944
8. Jonas Folger GER Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1)* 2m 05.033s +0.972
9. Scott Redding GBR Octo Pramac Racing (Desmosedici GP16) 2m 05.116s +1.055
10. Andrea Iannone ITA Team Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 2m 05.142s +1.081
11. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP17) 2m 05.282s +1.221
12. Danilo Petrucci ITA Octo Pramac Racing (Desmosedici GP17) 2m 05.284s +1.223
13. Jack Miller AUS Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V) 2m 05.463s +1.402
14. Aleix Espargaro ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP) 2m 05.468s +1.407
15. Hector Barbera ESP Reale Avintia Racing (Desmosedici GP16) 2m 05.584s +1.523
16. Alvaro Bautista ESP Pull&Bear Aspar Team (Desmosedici GP16) 2m 05.602s +1.541
17. Tito Rabat ESP Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS (RC213V) 2m 05.943s +1.882
18. Alex Rins ESP Team Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR)* 2m 06.155s +2.094
19. Loris Baz FRA Reale Avintia Racing (Desmosedici GP15) 2m 06.358s +2.297
20. Pol Espargaro ESP Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (RC16) 2m 06.503s +2.442
21. Karel Abraham CZE Pull&Bear Aspar Team (Desmosedici GP15) 2m 06.709s +2.648
22. Sam Lowes GBR Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS-GP)* 2m 06.741s +2.680
23. Bradley Smith GBR Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (RC16) 2m 07.434s +3.373
