This second day started under raindrops. A busy and grey sky awaited us to never leave us.
Despite the changing and delicate conditions, our three riders set off shameless on the Magny-Cours track. Jules Cluzel, Corentin Perolari and Maximilien Bau all measured asphalt. It was necessary to avoid the many traps of the track that had become slippery. Also, some fans braved the bad weather in the stands and in the paddock to support all the teams.
Corentin Perolari set the fastest lap time of FP1, 1’44.802, and took first place on this free practice day! Jules Cluzel is in 5th position with a lap time of 1″46.017, while Maximilien Bau is 23rd.
For our riders, gaining experience is essential despite the precarious conditions. Riding in these conditions is always a delicate exercise and makes it possible to improve many settings.
From then on, Jules Cluzel achieved the 3rd time of the FP2 in 2’01.904. Corentin Perolari did not leave the box to avoid taking additional risks. As for Maximilien Bau, he made a superb start to the weekend with the 6th fastest lap time on a wet track in 2’03.754.
At the end of this first day, Corentin Perolari is in first place in the combined ranking, Jules Cluzel is 5th while Maximilien Bau is 23rd.
Corentin Perolari: “This is the first time in my career that I finished first of a day in the World Supersport Championship. The conditions were special, but it always brings confidence. Now we have to get ready to qualify well, and get a place that would allow me to play on the podium.”
Jules Cluzel: “I am satisfied with my day. We have found the direction to take to have a healthy bike in the rain. Overall, my position is not ideal, but I am confident for this weekend even if it is still difficult to define a favourite.”
Maximilien Bau: “What a great day for me. After an FP1 during which I started cautiously, I really took the measure of the Pirelli “rain” tires, and the GMT94 Yamaha R6. I finished 6th in FP2, after an 18-lap run. Tomorrow, the weather is forecast to be dry, and it will be important to quickly get into the rhythm in order to get a good place on the starting grid.”
Text: Chris Duflaut
