After some great free trials, Bradley Smith
attacked Sunday's race with full confidence. Starting from 19th position, the Briton knew full well that the difficult weather conditions could be to his advantage. On numerous occasions during his career, he excelled on tracks with uncertain grip. His podium at Misano in 2015 is a perfect example of the genre.
Everything started well at Le Mans. A good start saw the two Aprilias scrape positions, and Bradley Smith wasted no time in following the pole sitter fabio quartararo
which sank into the depths of the ranking as the rounds went by.
However, after a good start to the race, a brutal fall put an end to all his hopes. The Bugatti circuit punishes immediately, especially in these conditions. An infuriating error for the Aprilia official:
« I'm very disappointed because when I fell, I wasn't attacking. I had found my rhythm and was already thinking about how to deal with the tires which, with less water on the track, were starting to overheat. »
Le Grand Prix of France allowed English, as a good developer, to focus again and again on the settings and points to improve. For him, there is no doubt, it is the electronics which are to blame. “ We have to work on the electronics, because in conditions like today we are too close to the limit.
»
Electronics constitute an essential dimension for the proper functioning of a MotoGP. If Aprilia manages to pinpoint the right improvement, the team will be stronger and will play points more regularly. Rain and dryness therefore constitute a perfect test bench.
It is for this same reason that despite his fall,
Bradley Smith remains positive: In any case, I am satisfied with what I was able to do. I took advantage of every possible opportunity this weekend to best express the potential of the RS-GP. »
An important positive energy in moments like those experienced by the team recently, which should have done better than in previous years. The season is still long and anything can happen...
Ranking credits: MotoGP.com
