The Repsol Honda Team rider finishes the first day of practice in fifteenth position. Stefan Bradl sets the twenty-first fastest time.
Unlike last Friday, the first day of the Styrian GP took place in dry conditions, which allowed the two Repsol Honda Team riders to complete their work plan uninterrupted.
Álex Márquez made important progress from FP1 to FP2. The premier class rookie improved his morning time in the afternoon and was 0.825 off the best time of the day, setting a 1:24.463.
Substitute teammate Stefan Bradl continued his steady work. The German rider finished the first day at Spielberg with a best time of 1:24.914.
ÁLEX MÁRQUEZ – 15th 1’24.463
“Today was an important day for us, we tried a new setup and this started our day very well. It was positive and it took a few laps to change my style, but in the afternoon we made a really good step. I have some very good partial times, but I still need to work a bit to improve over one lap and put them all together. Our rhythm, especially with the used tyres, is good. I’m really happy with how today went in Austria and tomorrow we know what areas we need to work on, I’m feeling positive.”
STEFAN BRADL – 21st 1’24.914
“It was a tough day today honestly. We have improved a lot of things, but the position is not where we want to be, I’m not satisfied with it. Aside from this, it’s been a busy and productive day trying a lot of things and we are aiming to make a step tomorrow. We’ve been trying some different settings and pieces and tomorrow hopefully we can combine them all to find something more. The times are very close again, so there is potential.”
