Search for better rear grip main focus for Álvaro Bautista on first day at Jerez

Alvaro Bautista is targeting improved rear traction tomorrow after struggling for grip on the opening day of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

But the gap to the pacesetters on the opening day is definitely within his reach and the potential is there for a strong race from the Spaniard.

Alvaro Bautista (6th 1’40”507) “I wasn’t particularly comfortable with the bike today and we struggled for rear grip from the first session. I barely have to open the gas before the rear starts to slide, so we were working this afternoon to find a solution, but didn’t come up with the definitive answer. The gap to the guys in front is not huge, so we can close it down considerably if we can improve in this area tomorrow. At this circuit it is very important to be precise coming out of the corners and I am sure that when the team find a solution tomorrow it will be a different story.”

Fausto Gresini “Lap by lap we made improvements today even through Alvaro has some rear traction issues. The team will work hard to give Alvaro a bike that he can ride to the limit tomorrow and find a good pace for the race. Bryan continues to work hard and is also making progress even though he had a similar problem to Bautista today.”

Source: Gresini Racing Press Release
Photo: Honda Pro Images