Local star Remy Gardner and teammate Raul Fernandez experienced for the first time of their young careers the iconic Phillip Island track on a MotoGP bike today as the action of the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix kicked off with the first two free practices sessions.
Being one of the fastest tracks of the MotoGP calendar, the Australian layout was always going to challenge MotoGP rookies, and it was no exception for Tech3 KTM Factory Racing’s Raul Fernandez who was slightly impressed during the first laps, especially in windy conditions. In the morning, he rode in 1’32.947 but the drier and sunnier conditions of the afternoon session left space for improvement. His personal best lap of 1’30.841 placed him twenty-first of Friday in the combined standing.
After two very demanding media days ahead of his home Grand Prix, Australian Remy Gardner fulfilled his childhood dream of riding a MotoGP bike in Phillip Island, one experience he seemed to have enjoyed. Windy conditions in the morning were a challenge, but he managed to adapt pretty well to them. In the afternoon, he rode faster (-1.267 secs) as his fastest lap in 1’30.940 placed him twenty-second at the end of the first day. He will look to continue his progress tomorrow when the action resumes, at 9:55 local time (GMT+11).
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Raul Fernandez
Position: 21th
Time: 1'30.841
Laps: 39
"I have to admit that riding the MotoGP bike for the first time is quite scary because Phillip Island is a very fast track, especially between turns 1 and 2, and then turns 8 and 9. It took me a bit of adaptation time in FP1 to get my head around it, but in the afternoon I already felt more comfortable. I improved my lap time, and my fastest lap was not bad at all, so we enjoyed today, despite the windy conditions. I look forward to being back on track tomorrow."
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Remy Gardner
Position: 22nd
Time: 1'30.940
Laps: 40
"The Phillip Island circuit is a fun track to ride and I enjoyed it a lot today. FP1 was quite good considering the track conditions, so I was confident for the afternoon session. However, FP2 was windy and I struggled putting a fast lap together, even with the soft tyre. We are not in an ideal position, but there are a few changes we can work on tonight to be able to make a step tomorrow."
