Green light in Barcelona: fourth place for BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team and Andrea Locatelli at the end of day one

The first day of practice for the BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team and Andrea Locatelli on the Barcelona track, which officially marks the entry of the Catalan track in the WorldSBK calendar, ended with the fourth absolute time. The day was characterized by uncertain weather conditions, as after a morning with a clear sky the bad weather made its appearance, wetting the track in the early hours of the afternoon and making only the last part of the FP2 almost useful.

In the FP1 of the morning FP1 the reigning World Champion team began their knowledge of the track, working with the rider on the set-up of his Yamaha YZF-R6 in anticipation of the weekend's continuation. Locatelli was able to make 19 laps, being among the most present on the track and closing the session in fourth position, a few tenths from the first position.

As said in the early hours of the afternoon a brief and violent downpour hit the track, making it wet until the start of the FP2. In order to avoid particular risks, the team and the rider waited for the track to dry and allow the use of slick tyres before entering the track, thus being able to use only the last 15 minutes of the session. Despite this Locatelli was immediately very quick, closing the session in third position.

For tomorrow the weather remains to be deciphered, but the reigning world champion team and the championship leader are ready to prove their worth. The day will open with FP3 in the morning, followed by the Superpole (at 11.40), while in the afternoon (at 15.15) Race 1 will take place. The Superpole and Race 1 will be live on channel 205 of the Sky platform.

FP1 + FP2 results #CatalanWorldSBK

P1 - Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki) 1'45"682

P2 - Isaac Vinales (Yamaha) +0.059

P3 - Philip Oettl (Kawasaki) +0.231

P4 - Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team, Yamaha) +0.258

P5 - Steven Odendaal (Yamaha) +0.289

Andrea Locatelli: "It was a particular day. This morning we had some small problems, especially on the rear, not being as fast and incisive as usual. In the afternoon unfortunately the weather conditions did not help us: we were able to get on track only in the last few minutes, making a few laps without taking risks and without really understanding how to work on the bike. Tomorrow I hope in good weather, i am absolutely confident and ready to get back to work to find the best set-up for Superpole and Race 1, which will be a very important race".