Scorching Start in Catalunya for Yamaha

Home hero Jorge Lorenzo made a scorching start to the Grand Prix of Catalunya today, dominating the second free practice session from the start. The Yamaha Factory Racing rider was the only rider under the 1’43 mark for most of the session. Lorenzo was briefly off the top spot as a flurry of fast laps came in as the session wound down, but swiftly retook it with a blistering 1’42.099, 0.207 seconds clear at the top.

Team mate Ben Spies was clearly enjoying the Catalunya circuit today. Building speed from the first session to the second, he was the first rider to threaten Lorenzo’s top spot in practice two and the second rider to break under the 1’43 mark. A fast consistent pace saw the Texan wrap up the day in seventh on the combined times, with a fastest lap of 1’42.802.

Jorge Lorenzo

Position 1st – Time: 1'42.099 – Laps 31

“The feeling is good today, we started this morning two tenths behind Casey, then this afternoon from the beginning we’ve been in first position. We tried the hard rear tire which is very important for this track because it’s a real possibility for the race on Sunday. We must improve some little details, especially the braking as we are arriving in the corners at a very high speed but generally we are good. This is a special race for me so close to my home, I really want to be fighting for the podium and the victory for the fans who have come to see me."

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