A first free practice session opened the weekend’s ninth WorldSBK round, which is taking place at the Cremona Circuit for the very first time.
The Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team is fielding two riders at this second Italian round, with British rider Bradley Ray joined by Italian wildcard Alessandro Delbianco.
This morning’s session ran on a track that was still damp following rain overnight. For this reason,
Delbianco, who knows the Cremona track, preferred to avoid any risks and sit out the session, unlike Ray, who had never ridden the track until today and who completed 13 laps during FP1, the best of which in 1’41”861.
The Italian track had fully dried in time for the afternoon’s FP2, meaning that both riders could make full use of the session. Ray finished seventeenth with a time of 1'30.684, while Delbianco stopped the clock on 1’30”906 to place nineteenth.
Tomorrow the duo will be back out for Superpole and Race 1.
Sandro Carusi - Team Principal
“It’s a great feeling to have two bikes on track here. Both riders have been able to adapt to this new track, despite the first session running in semi-dry conditions. The weekend has started well and I’m confident heading into tomorrow.”
Alessandro DelBianco #52
“I’m pleased with how today has gone. Unfortunately, the track was still damp for the first session, but I was still able to use the session to get to know what is a brand-new circuit for me. The second session was positive, and I felt comfortable with the bike and was able to set a good time. Considering this is my first time here, I don’t think the gap to the front is too bad. I can’t wait to get back on track tomorrow.”
Bradley Ray #28
“I’ve ridden here at Cremona in the past, but it’s totally different to ride here with a powerful superbike. During the first session, the track was not fully dry and so I preferred to stay in the garage and avoid taking any risks. Then in the afternoon I was able to build confidence with the bike and the track.”
