Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa was in a positive mood despite finishing 16th in today’s opening free practice for Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul. Checa was 16th fastest today but expects to move forward in tomorrow’s qualifying session with warmer track conditions plus set-up improvements to his Honda RC212V.Checa spent most of the afternoon session completing tyre evaluations with Michelin after the morning session was virtually wasted because of a cold and damp track following overnight rain. Checa is seeking improved tyre grip and front braking stability as he fine tunes set-up options in advance of Sunday’s race.

CHECA Sixteenth - 1’56.555

CHECA: “This afternoon I have mainly tested tyres and tomorrow I will concentrate more on set-up, I need better front grip and braking plus the gearbox ratios are not yet perfect. The rear tyres I used today were a strong construction and considering the track conditions I’m not concerned to be behind the fastest riders. Tyre consistency is not a problem, I just need more grip. This morning the track was dirty and I know that with the changes we have planned that tomorrow my times will be faster.”

Meanwhile Irish rookie Eugene Laverty spent today’s practice and qualifying sessions learning the 5.3 km Istanbul track as he prepares for his first race in Sunday’s 250cc grand prix. Laverty’s best time today was 2’02.691.

LAVERTY (250cc class): “The morning session was very difficult, learning the circuit and also trying to set-up the bike. I don’t have any problems with the bike, I just need more laps to learn and understand the circuit, especially the fast right-hand corners, but every lap my times are improving.”