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Qualifying report

Fourth row for Andrea Iannone in Australian GP

Andrea Iannone fastest time of the weekend, a 1’29.756, was recorded on the penultimate lap of Q2, earning him tenth place.

Andrea Iannone, Energy T.I. Pramac Racing

Andrea Iannone, Energy T.I. Pramac Racing

Bridgestone

Beautiful sunshine and warm spring temperatures accompanied the second day of the Australian GP, which featured free practice and qualifying sessions.

After settling for thirteenth place in FP3, Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team rider Andrea Iannone was forced to take part in both qualifying sessions scheduled for this sixteenth round of the MotoGP World Championship. He finished second in hard-fought Q1, earning a spot in the decisive second session. His fastest time of the weekend, a 1’29.756, was recorded on the penultimate lap of Q2, earning him tenth place.

Tomorrow, as decided by the Race Directions, in order to ensure safety on track, due to a strange decline of the tyres, the race laps will be limited to 26 and the riders will be forced to use the hard rear tyre with which they cannot make more than 14 laps and they’ll then be obliged to return to the pits to change bikes within that period.

Andrea Iannone, Energy T.I. Pramac Racing
Andrea Iannone, Energy T.I. Pramac Racing

Photo by: Bridgestone

"We have been notified by Bridgestone that they are unable to guarantee safety of their rear slick tyres beyond 14 laps. It has therefore been decided to make the following changes to the MotoGP class race in the interests of the safety of the riders. 1. The race distance will be 26 laps. 2. Every rider will be required to enter the pits and change to his second machine with fresh tyres at least once during the race. 3. No rider is permitted to make more than 14 laps on any one slick rear tyre.This means that a bike/tyre change before lap 12 will require a second bike/tyre change to finish the race. 4. Riders using “Factory” and “Satellite” machines will be required to use the “hard” option tyre (B51DR). Extra quantity will be allocated by Bridgestone. 5. Riders using CRT machines will be required to use CRT “hard” option tyre (B50DR). Extra quantity will be allocated by Bridgestone. 6. The pit lane speed limit zone will be extended both on entry and exit, and the exit route to rejoin the track will be marked by a white line in the runoff area. Crossing this line whilst rejoining the track from pit lane will result in a penalty."

Andrea Iannone – Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team
“Today was better than yesterday, and we improved again. It was very important to get into Q2, and we did, and Q1 also went well, so I'm happy. I am satisfied with the results we’re getting, we improved steadily during each round and my confidence with the bike also increased. Unfortunately, during Q2 I went long in a corner on my best lap, but that's okay. I had no tyre problems today. I managed to ride well throughout the day. The new asphalt has really changed the track, and riding here now is much more fun.”

Pramac Racing Team

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