Editorial Note: The current MotoGP race lap record at Brno is a 1:56.027 set by Dani Pedrosa in 2014.

FIM MotoGP World Championship

Brno, Czech Republic

August 4, 2017

Free Practice Two Results (all on Michelin tires):

1. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Italy (DUCATI), 1:56.332

2. Jonas FOLGER, Germany (YAMAHA), 1:56.730

3. Danilo PETRUCCI, Italy (DUCATI), 1:56.751

4. Johann ZARCO, France (YAMAHA), 1:56.862

5. Hector BARBERA, Spain (DUCATI), 1:56.864

6. Scott REDDING, UK (DUCATI), 1:56.905

7. Dani PEDROSA, Spain (HONDA), 1:56.933

8. Cal CRUTCHLOW, UK (HONDA), 1:56.961

9. Aleix ESPARGARO, Spain (APRILIA), 1:57.019

10. Marc MARQUEZ, Spain (HONDA), 1:57.209

11. Maverick VIÑALES, Spain (YAMAHA), 1:57.289

12. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Spain (DUCATI), 1:57.314

13. Pol ESPARGARO, Spain (KTM), 1:57.378

14. Valentino ROSSI, Italy (YAMAHA), 1:57.396

15. Jorge LORENZO, Spain (DUCATI), 1:57.637

16. Karel ABRAHAM, Czech Republic (DUCATI), 1:57.869

17. Loris BAZ, France (DUCATI), 1:57.992

18. Alex RINS, Spain (SUZUKI), 1:58.042

19. Jack MILLER, Australia (HONDA), 1:58.179

20. Andrea IANNONE, Italy (SUZUKI), 1:58.194

21. Tito RABAT, Spain (HONDA), 1:58.437

22. Sam LOWES, UK (APRILIA), 1:58.638

23. Bradley SMITH, UK (KTM), 1:59.382

More, from a press release issued by Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS:

Difficult return to MotoGP action for Miller and Rabat

The resumption of the 2017 MotoGP World Championship in Brno today proved to be a more difficult affair than anticipated for Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS riders Jack Miller and Tito Rabat.

Competitive lap times were hard to come by for the hard charging duo on an opening day of practice at the famous Czech Republic venue dominated by contrasting conditions.

A wet track for this morning’s FP1 greeted Miller and Rabat on their return from the summer break, which was the worst possible scenario for the Australian, who was hoping for a full dry 45-minute session after he missed the 2016 Brno encounter through injury.

A dry track for FP2 did at least give Miller the opportunity to adapt himself back to the demands of mastering Honda’s RC213V 1000cc prototype MotoGP machine, after he spent the summer break competing on a factory-backed CBR1000RR SP2 superbike in the prestigious Suzuka Eight-Hour endurance race.

Miller’s main goal this afternoon was to gain more turning performance through some of Brno’s demanding and sweeping changes of direction, and he was satisfied to circulate close to the top 15 with a best time of 1’58.179.

Rabat took encouragement from his wet weather showing this morning after struggling for confidence in similar conditions at the previous round in Germany. This morning’s rain meant a dirty and slippery surface for slick tyres in FP2, but Rabat was able to evaluate potential front and rear tyre options and work on his machine set-up ahead of Sunday’s 22-lap race.

Jack Miller: 19th – 1’58.179

“After spending a lot of time in Japan riding a superbike for Honda in the Suzuka Eight-Hour, it has taken me a bit of time to get back into the groove on a MotoGP bike today. I felt we made good progress this afternoon, even though the final position clearly isn’t where we want to be. It was tricky conditions today and we know a couple of the other Honda boys came here to test in the summer break and they didn’t finish too far ahead. My biggest problem today was struggling with front-end confidence in the stadium section (T2). I need to be able to turn the bike a little better and if we can improve in that area I know I can be closer to the front.”

Tito Rabat: 21st – 1’58.437

“I was satisfied with my performance in the wet this morning because I felt much more confident and comfortable than I did at Sachsenring. So that was a positive but this afternoon it was not so easy. The track wasn’t in fantastic condition and I was having a lot of sliding with the medium tyres. The rear was sliding and the front for me feels too soft. We changed to the soft rear tyre to try and get better grip and that worked, but again the front was moving quite a lot under braking. I’m optimistic for tomorrow and feel ready to be strong whatever the weather will be.”

Ramon Aurin: Jack Miller Chief Engineer

“We can’t deny we expected a little bit more from today but we also have to be realistic and not forget that Jack missed this race last year through injury. We are trying to recover lost time at this circuit, so it didn’t help that FP1 was on a wet track. It is a long and complicated track and his most recent action was on a completely different machine in Suzuka, so he needs time to adapt back to MotoGP. It is clear that he is missing some feeling from the front-end but we have some good ideas to solve this problem tomorrow and I’m sure we will show more of our potential.”

More, from a press release issued by Monster Yamaha Tech 3:

Impressive Folger fires to 2nd on Day 1 at Brno – Strong Zarco powers to 4th

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 rookie duo wasted no time in getting up to speed after the summer break by both superbly closing the opening day of practice in the Czech Republic inside the top 4. Jonas Folger maintained the notable momentum from his memorable 2nd place finish at the German GP by building up the pace in FP2 and then soaring to 2nd on his last lap. Whilst Johann Zarco expertly completed the wet FP1 session in 1st, before speeding to 4th in the dry afternoon session. Both riders will continue their hard work and highly positive starts tomorrow when FP3 commences at 09:55.

Jonas Folger

Position: 2nd – Time: 1’56.730 – Laps: 27

“It feels really good to be back on my Yamaha after the long summer break and we had a positive first day, especially in the afternoon. I was able to create a good feeling with the bike on the track. The conditions were mixed at the beginning of FP2, so we didn’t have much time until the last part of the session, but there, we were finally able to complete a lot of laps on the tyre and get a solid feeling. We did this without changing much on the bike because of the limited amount of time before the practice finished, but we still set a fast lap. So, everyone is ready for tomorrow and we are excited to get going after a positive first day.”

Johann Zarco

Position: 4th – Time: 1’56.862 – Laps: 34

“I am happy to be back in the paddock and on the bike. The summer break was good because I rested, did some training and thought about what I achieved in the first part of the season. Anyway today, I was pleased to have a positive feeling in the wet this morning because last year, in Moto2, I struggled a lot when it rained. Therefore, I knew that I had to push which I did from the beginning and it worked very well as I finished first. Then in the afternoon, the asphalt improved lap by lap. Eventually, it was dry but we needed to put some rubber on the track to get more grip and at the end, when I put on the new soft tyres, it was good to move up the order. I am happy to be inside the top ten because you never know what the weather will do, but I need to enhance this feeling and work with the team so that I can be quick and consistent which is key for the Grand Prix. My focus for tomorrow will be to work on the race pace and be faster because the track, if it is dry, will improve and so a lot of riders will be able to cut their times and get near to the 1’55 mark. Therefore, I want to be closer to this time, to learn everything and feel good.”

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

A GOOD START FOR APRILIA AT THE BRNO GP

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ CONSISTENTLY IN THE TOP-TEN, BOTH IN THE WET AND IN DRY CONDITIONS

The weekend at the Brno GP is off to a good start for Aprilia as the second half of the season kicks off, nine races where the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini is called on to confirm the progress demonstrated by the young RS-GP. In order to make even more progress, Aprilia Racing brought a series of developments to the Czech Republic that range from the completely new gearbox (already tested in Barcelona) to a new airbox and exhaust system design.

On a day characterized by changing track conditions due to the weather (rain and wet track in the first free practice session, sun and dry track in FP2), Aleix Espargaró placed consistently in the top ten, both times in ninth place although obviously with very different times: 2’05.922 in the morning and 1’57.019 in the second session. This consistency in different situations provides high hopes for the rest of the weekend, where the asphalt should be dry on Saturday for the decisive sessions that define the starting order, but with a high risk of rain for the race on Sunday.

Sam Lowes lapped well in the morning, staying in the top ten and then finishing 17th with a time of 2’06.622. In the dry conditions of FP2, the English rider also showed his ability to continue improving on the performance shown in the recent races before the summer break, but a crash relegated him to 22nd place with a time of 1’58.638. More importantly, however, it resulted in an injury to his right foot which required 4 stitches in the Clinica Mobile. In any case, the English rookie will be on the track as scheduled tomorrow.

ALEIX ESPARGARO’

“I couldn’t wait to get back on the track. We had a lot of things to try. First of all, I need to thank the guys at Aprilia, because during the break they really worked hard to improve the RS-GP. The initial feedback is definitely positive. We were quite competitive straight away on a track where the engine counts for a lot. I am pleased with this first day. We got off on the right foot this weekend.”

SAM LOWES

“When I crashed I hit the footpeg with the outside of my right foot. They gave me stitches in the Clinica, but it won’t be a big problem for the weekend. Besides the fall, I am really pleased with the way we started. I was fast in both sessions. The team did a great job during the break. The package we have here is really a step forward. Only having done one session on the dry track, we still have room to improve. I did my best time with the medium tyre, but I crashed with the soft, so I can’t wait to get back on the track tomorrow.”

More, from a press release issued by Pull&Bear Aspar Team:

Bautista a tenth outside the top ten at Brno

Pull&Bear Aspar Team rider twelfth fastest on the opening day of home Grand Prix for his team-mate Karel Abraham, who finished sixteenth

The Pull&Bear Aspar Team’s weekend at Brno started with Álvaro Bautista just a tenth of second outside the top ten positions that give provisional access to Q2 tomorrow. The Spaniard was twelfth fastest at the end of a day that took place in mixed conditions, with Bautista also suffering vibration issues in the final stages of the second session. His team-mate Karel Abraham lapped close to his best ever time at his home track, giving him confidence for tomorrow as he looks to improve even further. Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso was the fastest man of the day with a lap of 1’56.332 ahead of Jonas Folger and Danilo Petrucci.

12th Álvaro Bautista 1:57.314 (30 laps): “Ángel Nieto was a much-loved person both within motorcycle racing and beyond. Everybody loved him and it has been a very tough blow. It seemed like he was winning the race but he ran into complications on the final lap. It is a great shame but in the end I think he enjoyed his life to the full and lived every second to the limit. I want to send my best wishes to the family. As far as the track activity here today is concerned we spent a little time this morning in the wet working with the electronics and in the afternoon I wanted to try some different tyre options and prepare a strategy to make an attempt at moving into Q2 tomorrow. On my last run I had quite a big vibration from the bike so I couldn’t push. That limited the lap time although it is all very close. We still have FP3 tomorrow so try it. I am happy with the bike as it is although we do still need to improve in some parts of the circuit. The feeling is better than the position suggests.”

16th Karel Abraham 1:57.869 (31 laps): “It was an interesting day today, this morning we tried fully wet conditions, which was not easy. We were experiencing some problems with the rear locking into the corner but I think with the changes we want to make to the bike the situation can improve quite a bit. This afternoon we started on wet tyres but the track was basically dry so we put slicks in, tried some different suspension and other settings and then I got lucky because there was another rider, not right in front of me but a little bit up the road, and I was able to make a 1.57.8, which is close to my best ever lap around Brno. We finished sixteenth and I am happy about this but it feels like we are close to the limit so we have to work hard tomorrow to improve the lap time.”

More, from a press release issued by Movistar Yamaha:

MOVISTAR YAMAHA BUILD MOMENTUM AS BRNO BEGINS

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi kicked off the second half of the 2017 MotoGP saga today at the Automotodrom Brno, taking 11th and 14th place respectively in the combined timesheets.

Brno (Czech Republic), 4th August 2017

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi persevered through a wet first free practice and a dry afternoon session today at the fast and flowing Automotodrom Brno. Despite the great diversity in conditions, the pair made some fundamental first steps in preparation for this weekend‘s Monster Energy Grand Prix Ceské republiky and secured 11th and 14th place respectively in the combined timesheets.

Viñales needed a bit of time in FP1 to get a feel for the damp conditions at the start of the Czech Grand Prix weekend. However, the Spaniard soon started chipping away at his best time and gradually upped his pace. He was 0.644s off the fastest time by the end of the session and wrapped up the morning practice in sixth place with a best lap of 2’05.845s.

The young gun had to start from zero again in the afternoon as track conditions had changed from full wet to dry. He waited at the start of FP2 and closely watched his competition out on track, in order to assess when the right time would be to bring out the slick tyres. Ten minutes into the session, he headed out and worked his way up to 11th place, with a 1’57.289s best lap, 0.957s from first.

Rossi started the tenth MotoGP round eager to get back aboard his YZR-M1 after the four-week summer break. He made good on his promise to hit the ground running, though wet track conditions at in Brno meant he had to tread with care. Still he made a strong impression at the beginning of FP1 and kept dropping competitive laps throughout the session. His best time of 2’05.712s, secured him fifth place, 0.511s from the front.

The Doctor showed a consistent form in the afternoon. After ten minutes of waiting for confirmation that the track was dry enough for the slick tyres, he decided to head out. He continued his pace from this morning, which saw him quickly climb up the rankings with a 1’57.456s for provisional fourth place. He spent the remaining nine minutes testing various settings and, despite riding on a used medium rear tyre, ended the session with a 1’57.396s, in 14th place, 1.064s from the top.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

After four weeks of no riding whatsoever for our team, we dedicated today‘s sessions to giving our riders a good feeling. The conditions of the track changed considerably from the morning session to this afternoon‘s free practice. In the morning, both riders were quite satisfied about the feeling in the wet. This afternoon we had to start from scratch again. Maverick wasn‘t satisfied about the turning of the bike and he couldn‘t brake as hard as he wanted. Valentino isn‘t far from a good set-up. He didn‘t put in new rear soft tyre, like some other riders did, so his placement doesn‘t really reflect his pace. Considering that it might rain on Sunday, today we were lucky that we had the possibility to spend an entire practice session in wet conditions. For tomorrow, we definitely have to improve the balance of the bikes of both riders to prepare for qualifying, that‘s always fundamental for the results of the race.

MAVERICK VIÑALES

This morning was a good session. I feel quite good on the wet, though there are still some parts to improve, but honestly, I was feeling quite comfortable on the bike. This afternoon was really difficult, I never felt like that on the Yamaha before, so we have to understand which area is the problem. We need to solve these issues and try to work even harder. We really don‘t know which area is causing the problem, if we knew we would improve it. The bike is not working at its 100% and we have to try to find out why.

VALENTINO ROSSI

It was a difficult day, but I had some good feelings. I‘m happy about FP1 in the wet, because this year we always suffered, but this morning I was strong and not so bad considering the pace. I was able to ride the bike quite well, so I had a good feeling and finished in fifth position, inside the Top-5 isn‘t so bad. The afternoon was a bit more difficult, because there were mixed conditions. I think it wasn‘t so bad, in the sense that I‘m behind, but I didn‘t put in the soft rear tyre at the end. I had a problem with one bike, so I had to stop and when I restarted with the other one I preferred to continue with the medium tyre. At the end my position is bad, but if I put in the soft tyre I think I can be more in front. It‘s just the first day. We have to work, especially the balance of the bike is not OK, but the feeling is quite good.

More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

Grand Prix Ceské Republiky

MotoGP 2017 Round 10

Repsol Honda team begin working for the Czech GP

Opening day of the Czech GP at Brno dawned under a steady rain, though with mild temperatures. The FP1 session was run on a full-wet track with Marc ending in P2 and Dani in P4.

Weather conditions improved over the course of the day, allowing the riders to switch to slicks and a dry setup for FP2, although the track was still a bit patchy in spots at the beginning of that session. Dani closed the day in seventh place, Marc in 10th. Neither rider fit a new tyre at the end of the session.

Dani Pedrosa 26

7TH 1’56.933

“Today was good because we were able to do a good test in wet conditions. We actually didn’t expect the rain, or at least not so much rain, but all in all it was good because after having tested here in the dry during the summer break, we now had the chance to verify in different conditions the small changes we had made on the bike. This afternoon we basically had half an hour in the dry, but that was also positive in general. We used a new fairing that we had tested in July; we’re still learning about it and are setting up the bike for it little by little, in order to see what level it may bring us to. We didn’t fit a soft tyre at the end and just continued on with the same one. Now we’ll wait for the track to be dry tomorrow and to get some rubber on it.”

Marc Marquez 93

10TH 1’57.209

“I’m happy enough with today because we were quite strong in the wet this morning. I felt comfortable on the bike and that’s important in case we have rain on Sunday. Then in the afternoon, in the dry, the grip was a bit less compared to the test we did here in July, but the general feeling was quite similar. We tried something different on the chassis’ setup, but tomorrow we’ll return to the settings we found in July, when we were able to set a good pace. We used a new fairing that I felt good enough with, so we’ll keep it for the whole weekend and will continue working hard to prepare for Sunday.”

More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

Andrea Dovizioso tops the timesheets on Day 1 of practice for the Czech Grand Prix at Brno. Jorge Lorenzo lies fifteenth in the provisional standings

Today saw an excellent start to the Czech GP weekend for Andrea Dovizioso, who headed the timesheets on day 1 of practice at the Automotodrom Brno. After finishing the morning’s FP1 session in the rain in thirteenth place, the Italian rider demonstrated he has an excellent feeling with his Desmosedici GP on the ups and downs of the Moravian circuit and he ended the second session, which was completely dry towards the end, on the top of the stack with a time of 1’56.332.

Lying in a provisional fifteenth place was Jorge Lorenzo, who this morning had been very competitive on the wet track when he set third quickest time. In the afternoon, after doing a few laps on his ‘regular’ bike, the Spanish rider then debuted a new fairing with an innovative aero package, finishing the day in fifteenth place with a time of 1’57.637.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 1’56.332 (1st)

“Today went very well because we were able to carry out a lot of tests: this morning we made a comparison between the medium and the soft rain tyres and we already have feedback in view of the race. This afternoon, despite the limited time available on a totally dry surface, we managed to try the new material but above all we confirmed our good pace and this always makes the difference during the weekend. Tomorrow we will continue to work on the other details because it should be dry all day.”

Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team #99) – 1’57.637 (15th)

“It was a positive day and I’m sure that we still have room for improvement. This morning in the wet, the feelings were good, the grip was good and the front had very good stability. For sure I could have pushed harder and improved my time. This means that we are ready if it rains during the race on Sunday, and this is very positive. In the afternoon we tried the new fairing and even though my final classification today was not what we hoped for, I’m really satisfied. They’ve done a great job in Ducati Corse! In the end I didn’t use the new tyre, which would have allowed me to improve my time, but the most important thing was to understand the behaviour of the bike in this new configuration. We probably lose a bit in top speed, but by working well on the setting I’m sure that the new fairing has a lot of potential.”

More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:

DAY OF DEVELOPMENT FOR TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR

The first day back at the track after the summer break saw Team SUZUKI ECSTAR riders Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins busy testing many items delivered to Brno by the Suzuki Factory. This led the Friday program to be more centered on development than on the single lap time. Rins finished in 18th place and Iannone in 20th.

The morning session was affected by heavy rain, that left the track completely wet, only allowing the riders a tentative first taste of the circuit. Despite a good start, Iannone was unable to properly reduce his lap time and ended the first session in 16th place, with a best lap of 2’06.507. Rins, for his part, struggled to find confidence on the GSX-RR in this circuit and ended in 23rd place with 2’07.801.

In the afternoon, the track got dry and riders were able to exit with a dry set up and slick tyres, trying to proceed with the work with the work at hand. The final result saw Rins end up in 18th place with 1’58.042 and Iannone in 20th with 1’58.194.

Team SUZUKI ECSTAR, together with the riders Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins and the whole Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan, wants to take the chance to express their sincere sadness for the loss of the 12+1 World Champion Angel Nieto, who died yesterday in Ibiza. Our condolences go out to Angel’s family and friends.

Davide Brivio – Team Manager

“The first day has been tricky because of the weather, having one session in wet and one in dry conditions. In the afternoon we tested different settings on the dry, which actually was our purpose, and we couldn’t even attempt a proper time attack. The positive thing is that we have already seen that some of the improvements have proven to be effective. Tomorrow we will try our best to also improve the lap time, while continuing to check the different available solutions.

The image that all of us have of Angel is of a person who is always kind, smiling, and with a nice word ready. This is what will remain with us most to all of us. I wasn’t born early enough to experience him as a rider, but I did know and appreciate him as a person. He was extremely charismatic and will be missed a lot. He has been an important point of reference for all the young Spanish riders and a teacher for us all. I’m sure he will continue to be a source of inspiration for many riders but also for us in the paddock.”

Andrea Iannone

“A strange day due to the conditions; in the afternoon it got dryer but the grip was not the optimal. This one has been a sort of “development” day for us since we had different solutions from Japan to test. We were waiting for them, so it’s been nice to have them available in the end. What we’ve tried proved to be positive and interesting. They have yet to be finalized, but my feelings are positive. Having this as main focus, we ran the whole session with only one set of tyres. We didn’t go for the soft tyres for a proper time attack, and this of course had a massive influence on the rankings; we are far behind where we deserve to be. But we had to do this work and I’m happy for the improvements. We will be able to improve a lot tomorrow.

To me Angel was not only a superb motorcycling champion, 12+1 World Champion he liked to say, but most important an excellent person. He was always ready to give good advice and always had a kind word when you had a bad race. A few days before his accident we met and we spent the whole evening talking. He spoke some words that I will keep with me forever. He spoke to me as a dad to his son, and this is the best memory I will carry with me of him.”

Alex Rins

“Brno is a tricky track that requires many laps and experience to properly understand and give 100%. The work process is going smooth, we tested some things and I’m confident tomorrow we will be able to improve significantly and get a good preparation for the Sunday’s race.

Everyone in the paddock is inconsolable and you can feel the immense sadness. Angel is a legend and this is a big loss for his family, the sport, for the motorcycling family, and for all the people who knew him. I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

More, from a press release issued by Octo Pramac Racing:

Superb comeback from holidays for Octo Pramac Racing. Petrux 3rd and Scott 6th on Brno’s Friday

The long summer break did not distract Octo Pramac Racing Riders. In fact, during the free practice of the #CzechGP, they were both consistently fast in the FP1 under wet conditions and in the afternoon when they both achieved a great result.

After setting the seventh quickest lap time during FP1 under completely wet conditions, Danilo Petrucci was one of the first riders to get on track for FP2 using slick tires, despite the circuit was still partially wet. When the temperature started to raise resulting in a dryer track, Petrux was able to push hard and in the last run, he managed to set a lap-time of 1’56.751, fourth tenth of a second from the fastest lap made by Dovizioso but only 21 thousands of a second behind the second position taken by Jonas Folger.

Scott seemed to be in confidence already from FP1 even if he was not able to take advantage of the wet conditions (14th lap time). In the afternoon, the English rider improved his lap time already at the beginning of the session ending in P6 only one tenth of second from his team-mate.

3rd – Danilo Petrucci – 1’56.751

“I’m really happy. This has always been a difficult track for me, with corners without banking that I do not like much. The first day of activity was fine but tomorrow will be more difficult. In the afternoon at the beginning the circuit was very moist then dried. Honestly there was not much grip and the asphalt did not seem in the best conditions with bumps that create chattering. Ok, no matter: today things went well”.

6th – Scott Redding – 1’56.905

“Morning feelings were good even if I did not find a good feeling with the tires. In the afternoon things improved even if I could not find the right combination with the tires. I felt lack of feeling at the front: the soft tyre was too soft and the medium one, after a few laps, I felt the same. Surely I will have to work on my riding style to fix this thing. But if I have to be honest, I’m happy with what we did today”.

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More, form a press release issued by LCR Honda:

CRUTCHLOW EIGHTH FASTEST AS MOTOGP RETURNS IN BRNO

PRESS RELEASE: 04 August 2017 | Brno GP Day One

LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow put in a solid performance as the MotoGP class made its return to action after the summer break in the Czech Republic. The Briton was eighth fastest at the end of the opening day in Brno as the tenth round of the world championship season got underway in mixed conditions. However, Crutchlow admitted there was plenty of work for his team to do ahead of Sunday’s race.

The morning’s FP1 session took place on a wet circuit and Crutchlow struggled to find his best rhythm as he finished it down in 12th spot. However, he improved in the afternoon on a drying track and would eventually claim eighth place on the timesheets, ending up as the second best Honda rider, just behind Dani Pedrosa. But the Briton believes the Team will need to find more speed from his RC213V if he is to prove competitive over the course of the weekend.

Cal Crutchlow – 8th

(1’56.961 – lap 10 of 11)

“It was a difficult day to be honest. Obviously it was wet in the first session and I didn’t have the greatest feeling again in the rain with my bike, but we were making some progress I thought. Then this afternoon it dried up and the lap times were competitive enough but, considering we tested here the other day, I think it was a disappointing day for us.

“This track is not the best for our bike so we need to work as a manufacturer and a Team to be more competitive. I’m looking forward to doing my best in qualifying tomorrow and then also in the race on Sunday.”

More, from a press release issued by Reale Avintia Racing: 

Strong start for Barbera with fifth place on the opening day at Brno

After a long summer break, the MotoGP World Championship restarted today at Brno with free practice for the Czech Grand Prix. Hector Barbera showed that his hard training during the break was useful and he was fighting at the front in both practice sessions today in wet and dry conditions. The Spanish rider of Reale Avintia Racing was leading both sessions for a while and eventually finished eight in FP1 and fifth in FP2. This was a great way to start the second half of the season.

It was also a positive day for Loris Baz who was able to test the performance of his right arm after undergoing surgery three weeks ago. The 24 year-old Frenchman used the morning session to complete a race distance and evaluate the performance of the Michelin wet tyres with positive results. In the afternoon, the track dried out quickly and Baz declared himself satisfied with his dry pace, although he still needs to improve his confidence for the front end over the bumps and push harder tomorrow to get the best possible grid position.

Hector Barbera | 1’56.864 | P5

“Today was a good day and we were fast in all conditions. In the morning we finished eight in the wet, but my feelings were really good and I was leading the classification for a long time. With the asphalt half wet and half dry, things didn’t go too bad either and I was close to the top 10 even though I don’t like these conditions. The track finally dried out and we showed our pace. We were fighting at the top and I was fifth at the end of the session. We still have many things to change, but the bike is fast and so is the rider who has to oush it to the maximum. I had no holidays in the summer break, for me it was like a winter training and I start the second half of the season with full batteries. It was only the first day, but me and my team are strong and I think that we can have a great weekend.”

Loris Baz | 1’57.992 | P17

“Best news today is that I had no problems with my arm. We worked a lot this morning on the race pace in wet conditions, as rain is foreasted for Sunday and it’s important to know where we are. It was also important to know if we can make the race with Michelin’s soft wet tyre, as they had some issues last season. In the afternoon the track dried out and our pace was not bad. I still lack confidence in the front and I also lost some tenths on my fastest lap behind Iannone. We have to keep working on the front end of the bike to improve and fight for the top 10 tomorrow.”

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Dovizioso makes a late lunge to dominate Day 1

Italian quickest as actions opens in Brno, Ducati debut radical new fairing

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) shot to the top of the combined timesheets on Friday at the Monster Energy Grand Prix Ceské republiky, going fastest at the end of FP2 by almost four tenths after a late lunge for P1. Jonas Folger (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was his closest challenger, with Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Racing) in hot pursuit.

After rain in FP1 that saw Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) lead the way from Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team), Friday’s combined timesheets were decided by FP2 as blue skies returned and the track dried out. ‘DesmoDovi’ going quickest wasn’t the biggest headline from the red garage on Friday, however: a new, radical aero fairing broke cover late in the day, with Lorenzo charged with the first run. The ‘Spartan’ improved his previous best. Repsol Honda also had some aerodynamic upgrades on show, and both Lorenzo and Marquez were both positive about their respective fairings.

FP1’s fastest Zarco was fourth overall, ahead of Hector Barbera (Reale Avintia Racing), and Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Racing) after the rush at the end. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) had been quickest in the session for some time, eventually ending up in P7 and looking threatening on pace.

2016 Brno winner Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) was eighth quickest, ahead of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini). Reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) completed the top ten, but the number 93 crucially didn’t push at the end on a softer tyre.

Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) completed an understated Day 1 in P11, ahead of Alvaro Bautista (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) and a stunning showing from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pol Espargaro. Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) locked out the fastest fifteen on Friday.

MotoGP™ head back out to decide final graduation to Q2 tomorrow morning, before qualifying begins from 14:10 (GMT +2).

Pasini supreme on opening day in Brno

Italian leads rookie compatriot Bagnaia and returning Vierge at the Czech GP

After a rain-soaked FP1 at the Monster Energy Grand Prix Ceské republiky, conditions improved to fully dry for Moto2™ FP2 and it was Mattia Pasini (Italtrans Racing Team) who shot to the front and the top of the combined timesheets. Francesco Bagnaia (Sky Racing Team VR46) was the fastest rookie to impress once again in second, with Xavi Vierge (Tech 3 Racing) returning from injury in style in P3.

Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went fastest in FP1 and ended the day fourth from his time from FP2, ahead of Sandro Cortese (Dynavolt Intact GP) in an impressive fifth.

Championship leader Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was sixth fastest overall and crashed in FP1 – rider ok – ahead of a late lunge from Luca Marini (Forward Racing Team) to take seventh. Jorge Navarro (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) was the second rookie in the top ten in P8, with Dominique Aegerter (Kiefer Racing) returning from a podium at the Suzuka 8 Hours in P9 and compatriot Tom Lüthi (CarXpert Interwetten) completing the top ten.

Isaac Viñales (BE-A-VIP SAG Team), Simone Corsi (Speed Up Racing), Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), Fabio Quartararo (Pons HP 40) and Hafizh Syahrin (Petronas Raceline Malaysia) were P11 to P15.

Moto2™ qualify tomorrow afternoon before racing starts at 12:20 (GMT +2) on Sunday

Mir top on Friday, Georgi steals the headlines

Championship leader takes to the top late in FP2 after wildcard stuns the field in FP1

Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) is ahead in the standings and was ahead of the field on Friday at the Czech GP, with the Majorcan pulling clear in the final minutes of FP2 on a drying track. He went quickest by four tenths from title rival Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0), with Malaysian Adam Norrodin (SIC Racing Team) completing the top three.

Weather was wet throughout the day for Moto3™ but FP2 did start to see a marked improvement towards the end of the session, with dry parts of track appearing. Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) was one who made the most of that to go fourth quickest on combined times, ahead of an impressive showing from Manuel Pagialini (CIP).

Tim Georgi (Freudenberg Racing Team) was the headline of the day, however. The German wildcard was unstoppably dominant in a wet FP1 – two seconds clear for much of the session – and put in another great performance in the afternoon, despite a crash when leading the way. He’s fifth in the combined standings, with his FP1 laptime his fastest set on Friday.

Tony Arbolino (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was impressive in seventh to edge compatriot Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46), with Albert Arenas (Aspar Mahindra Moto3) and Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) locking out the top ten.

Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Aspar Mahindra Moto3), Bo Bendsneyder (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Juanfran Guevara (RBA BOE Racing Team), Livio Loi (Leopard Racing) and John McPhee (British Talent Team) completed the fastest fifteen on Friday.

Qualifying for the lightweight class starts at 12:35 (GMT +2) on Saturday.