Tech 3 Yamaha Aragon GP Friday report

Power cut disrupts practice for Edwards and Crutchlow

Colin Edwards, Monster Yamaha Tech 3

Photo by: Tech 3

Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow experienced a disrupted start to preparations for this weekend's Motorland Aragon MotoGP race after a major power outage ended in the cancellation of today's second practice session.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team pair were eager to get back on track after a positive and productive 45-minute opening practice when the disruption started minutes before the pitlane was due to open to commence this afternoon's session.

Power was restored and the session was due to finally get underway over two hours later than scheduled at 420pm local time. But just as Edwards and Crutchlow got back into their leathers, the electricity supply failed again a nd organisers were left with little option but to postpone practice.

As a result of today's disruption, Edwards and Crutchlow will take part in an extended practice tomorrow morning, which will be run over 75 minutes instead of the scheduled 45.

The power issues provided Edwards with an unusual start to his 150th MotoGP race, the American finishing ninth on the leaderboard this morning with a best time of 1.51.826. The 37-year-old was happy with the base set-up of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine and he's confident modifications planned for this afternoon would have helped him significantly lower his lap times.

The cancellation of the second session was particularly frustrating for British rider Crutchlow, who lost valuable time in trying to build up his knowledge of the technical Motorland Aragon track.

Crutchlow had once again demonstrated his pr owess at learning new tracks with impressive speed with a lap of 1.52.580 leaving him close to the top 10 this morning. He finished 14th but he opted to use Bridgestone's soft compound front and rear tyres throughout the whole session, while the best lap times were all set on the harder options. Crutchlow is confident had he used the harder compounds available he would have challenged for a place inside the top 10.

Colin Edwards

Position 9th - Time 1.51.826 - Laps 19
That was a pretty easy day and to be honest I don't think I've ever been in and out of my leathers so many times in one day. This morning I felt pretty good and comfortable, which was immediately a good sign because I didn't have a very good feeling with this track last year. We struggled for rear grip last year and I rode a soft front tyre in the race to try and find something that worked. But this morning I was happy right from the start on the hard front and rear and we know we can make the set-up better. We had a few ideas to help this afternoon but obviously there were some electricity issues and that's a pity for the fans that came out to watch us today. It was the right decision so we'll use the extra rest and come out strong tomorrow aiming to improve our pace.”

Cal Crutchlow

Position 14th - Time 1.52.580- Laps 19
“I was really happy this morning because it was a good solid start and I really enjoyed riding the track. It was a pity I couldn't have lapped a little bit faster but I stayed on the soft front and rear tyres for the whole session. Most of the other guys used the harder tyres and when Colin changed he dropped his time by a second. I'm sure I could have done the same and then I'd be looking at being inside the top 10, which is always my goal. It is ob viously disappointing not to have the second session because it hurts me more than the other guys. I need to be out there learning the track and you lose the momentum gained. I felt really confident at the end of this morning and was looking forward to this afternoon, but now I've got to build up my pace all over again. There's nothing I can do about what happened and I'm confident with more time on track I can climb further up the timesheets.”