Good first session for Barrier and Black

Monza is a very special track because of its layout. As there is no practice on Friday morning, Sylvain Barrier and Gregg Black used the only afternoon practice session to find the best possible setting for their R1s. Sylvain Barrier finished in 12th position and Gregg Black in 23rd.

Sylvain Barrier: « As soon as I started, I had a good rhythm. I did a few good laps, and then went back to the pits to fit a new shock absorber. Then I did two quiet laps and after that I went faster. I went straight when I braked too late entering a curve and I had a very small crash. I went back to the pits and after that I tried to go faster but I couldn’t find a good slipstream. We have to set up the shock for tomorrow.”

Gregg Black: « We changed many things on the bike before we came here, so I am getting used to it as the bike feels different. I am taking my time, this is the first time I am racing here on a 1000 cc and the brakings are different. I have now my confidence back. I am happy with this first session. I know I can progress.”

Michel Garnier (team manager): « Good session. We are in the top 12 with Sylvain; Gregg takes it easy, without being overexcited. Sylvain tried to be with the leaders but here slipstream is important. It’s only the first session… Sylvain will try to be on the second row or the third one at the worst.”

Results of the 1st free practice session:
1   19 Simeon X. (BEL) Ducati 1098R 1′49.522
2   89 Colucci D. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1′50.127
3   65 Baz L. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 1′50.128
4   71 Corti C. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1′50.136
5   21 Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 1′50.311
6 112 Fores J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1′50.400  …
12 20 Barrier S. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 1′51.302  …
23 25 Black G. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1′52.966  …