Pramac Racing riders Andrea Iannone and Ben Spies were both reasonably happy after the first practice session of 2013 although they acknowledge there is plenty of work to do. The pair were twelfth and thirteenth respectively in FP1 on Thursday with Iannone not enjoying a trouble-free start to his MotoGP career.
“I had to stop immediately after the first lap because we had a problem with the gear lever, but the guys were very quick to address the issue and I didn’t lose too much time”, said the Italian. “I have a completely new feeling with the bike on this track, and I feel a little bit lost. During the first part of the session, I couldn’t find the right braking point. I’m happy anyway, and tomorrow I hope to improve my pace.”
Spies is still short of full fitness after hurting his shoulder at Sepang last year and the American admitted the injury was still bothering him this evening.
“Today is Thursday, and it’s good to get the first session out of the way. We weren’t exactly where we wanted to be, but for the first time I felt good on the bike and was having fun. I had different feelings. The shoulder is getting better for sure, but I’m trying to take it easy and not go too crazy after not having a great testing season. We still have work to do, but our speed was okay for the first session, and I’m happy about it.”