Pirro ended up with a row 4 grid place at the Misano Circuit

Today was a tireless day for Michele Pirro, standing in again for Ben Spies, and the Italian ended up with a row 4 grid place at the Misano Circuit with a time of 1’34.467, just over a tenth of a second from the fastest Ducati rider, Andrea Dovizioso.

Michele Pirro, Ducati Team

Photo by: Ducati Corse

A turn 5 crash for Michele about four minutes from the end of the last and decisive free practice session partly compromised the result of this long second day of practice and qualifying, but it was luckily without any serious consequences except for a slight increase in the pain in his shoulder that was injured during the British GP at Silverstone.

Tenacity and new-found confidence, however, allowed the Ignite Pramac Racing Team rider to fight during Q1 with a determined Cal Crutchlow, and to improve on his fastest time clocked during yesterday’s FP2 by more than two-tenths of a second.

Michele Pirro – Ignite Pramac Racing Team: “Unfortunately, I had a crash this morning that affected the session and, as a result, qualifying. My time was good at that point and I would have gone straight to Q2. Then I was trying to save my tyres in Q1, but when I saw that Crutchlow had my same time, I went back out again; otherwise, I think I could have done better in Q2.

It’s a shame, but I’m confident for tomorrow. My shoulder is bothering me a bit, especially because I aggravated it again this morning, but I know the support of my home fans will help me to forget it.”

Pramac Racing Team