Movistar Yamaha MotoGP‘s Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi kicked off the first day at Mugello, claiming third and ninth place respectively in the combined session times.
After two very successful weekends in Jerez and Le Mans, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP‘s Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi were back on track for the first free practice sessions at Autodromo del Mugello. Lorenzo‘s love for the Tuscan circuit clearly showed in his consistent pace as he secured third in the combined session times ahead of this weekend‘s Gran Premio d'Italia. Rossi focused on finding the right setting and tyre option and finished ninth.
Still in good spirits from scoring two back-to-back victories, Lorenzo was eager to get back aboard his YZR-M1 at the start of the 45-minute morning session. With a clear track in front of him, he soon topped the standings before being pushed down the order when times started to drop. However, he was quick to respond and finished in second place.
The afternoon session saw a similar turn of events. The four-time World Champion kept the momentum going and was quick to ride his YZR-M1 to the top of the rankings. Despite not being entirely satisfied with his set-up, he remained a key protagonist throughout the session and finished the day in third place with a 1‘47.852 lap.
Local hero Rossi also enjoyed riding in the Tuscan sunshine as he prepared for his first home race weekend of the season. Aiming to add another top performance to his five-consecutive podium run, he consistently improved his pace throughout the morning practice to finish in sixth place.
The nine-time World Champion further improved his time in FP2. Encouraged by the loud cheering of the Italian fans, he briefly took over the top spot from his teammate, but it wasn‘t to last and he was pushed back to third. He used the remaining time to focus on finding the right tyre option for Sunday‘s race. His fastest lap of 1'48.211 saw him finishing the day in ninth position.
These results see Lorenzo placed third in the combined session times, 0.373s from the front, with Rossi in ninth, 0.732s off today‘s fastest time.