Press Release from GRESINI RACING TEAM - 26th August, 2011

GP of USA - INDIANAPOLIS - Free Practice - 26/08/2011

POSITIVE START FOR TEAM GRESINI MOTO2 DESPITE CRASH FOR TAKAHASHI AT INDIANAPOLIS

Michele Pirro made an impressive start to his first ever weekend at the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite the tricky conditions due to a brand new track surface the Italian gradually improved throughout the day to finish up in the top ten. Yuki Takahashi was two positions behind his team-mate after crashing out of the afternoon session when lapping second quickest.

Michele Pirro (10th 1’46”865)
“Indianapolis is a new circuit for me and with the strange track conditions this morning, which took a lot of wear out of the front tyre, I just focused on getting used to the layout without taking any risks. With more rubber on the track this afternoon I was able to push harder and set a decent lap time, even though I am still losing my references at some points on the circuit.  Even so I am sure we are on the right path to improve our result from Brno. Thanks to the team for all their help – hopefully I can repay them with a good result.”

Yuki Takahashi (12th 1’47”000)
”This morning was a disaster but the afternoon was going much better. I was riding hard and improving my time lap after lap. I was searching for the limit and maybe should have come in when I started to lose a little feeling. I am disappointed but I will have chance to make up for it tomorrow.”

Fausto Gresini
“We have to be happy with today despite the crash for Takahashi, especially considering how things went in practice at Brno. This morning wasn't easy but in the afternoon up until the crash Takahashi was amongst the fastest riders on track and Pirro has done very well on his first visit here. The prospects for tomorrow are good and I am sure we will be fighting at the front again.”