Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa blitzed the field with the fastest time in the opening day of free practice for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez. In preparation for his home race, Checa led a trio of Spaniards, ahead of fellow Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Toni Elias. Today’s performance was the perfect response to Checa’s disappointing early exit from the opening race in Qatar two weeks ago.

While the cold track temperature of just 15 degrees for the morning session was not ideal, the warmer afternoon conditions (31 degrees), were more suited to Checa’s race tyre options. But it was front set-up changes, including a switch to a different front tyre, that gave Checa the chance to shine. Improved braking stability and turning response are the main improvements.

CHECA: First - 1’40.851

“Being at the front is always a good feeling but I’m not getting carried away, the times are very close. Since the Qatar race, the changes to the front-end have made the bike comfortable on braking and turn-in, a much more positive feeling. My first target tomorrow is to complete the tyre testing for the race, we have two good options, and secondly to improve my qualifying performance where we had some problems in Qatar. I’m feeling good for my home race.”

Irish rookie Eugene Laverty was in a positive mood after provisional qualifying for the 250cc grand prix, when he set his fastest time of 1’48.391 on the final lap of the qualifying session.


LAVERTY (classe 250cc): "I raced here before so I know the track, which is the big difference from Qatar last week. I’m feeling positive now that we have a front set-up that allows me to hold a tighter line in the corners, although the rear is still spinning too much.”