Niccolo Antonelli was in impressive form on his first Grand Prix appearance at Mugello, setting the fourth fastest time in Friday Practice. The 16 year old was keen to point out that he didn't have the benefit of a slipstream and thinks he has the pace to qualify at the front.
“I am happy to have started the weekend on the right foot. I have a good feel for the track here at Mugello and I was able to set my lap time on my own, which is very important. The wind was a problem out there but I was able to push hard and could maybe have gone even faster. Hopefully with a few small changes to the bike I can find a little more confidence with it and qualify well tomorrow.”
San Carlo Gresini Moto3 team manager Fausto Gresini agrees that there is plenty of scope for improvement for Antonelli and looks forward to seeing what he can do on Saturday.
“Mugello is a track he knows well so he was able to push from the start today. He needs to stay calm and focused even though that is not easy because it is his home Grand Prix, which is always special. He did a good job today because he set the lap time on his own and on used tyres. Overall it has been a good start, we’re satisfied with where we’re at right now and hopeful of more tomorrow.”