02.10.20
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team concluded today’s opening Free Practice at a very wet Magny-Cours (France). In typical Nevers fashion we had a wet FP1, however this did not stop Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty putting in a solid performance. Tom Sykes went about his FP1 flirting with the top 2 and lapped his best lap of a (1'50.995), putting him in third position. His team-mate Eugene Laverty equally in the opening stages looks comfortable in the top 4, however after small issue with his BMW S 1000 RR meant he missed the closing stages of the session. Laverty’s final position, P12 (1'53.251)
The weather for this afternoons FP2 session did not improve, which meant we had a wet second practice. Tom Sykes looking to better on his P3 this morning looked very comfortable on his S 1000 RR, and as a result improved on his (1’50.995), going over a second faster (1'49.717). Unfortunately, Sykes had a crash in the closing stages of FP2 at T5 which meant he would end the session overall in P6. The #50 of Eugene Laverty also made some good improvements from FP1 lapping a (1'50.022). Eugene looked certain to improve again on this time on his last flying lap, however got caught in traffic in the final sector. Laverty, despite the hold up ended the session overall in P9.
Shaun Muir - Team Principal
“Good day overall. Both riders had a good feeling on the bike which is important, especially in these wet conditions. The team made some delicate changes to the suspension and chassis for both Tom and Eugene, which made a positive improvement for both riders. As the day went on the pace naturally got faster and by the end of the day, we were in the right area top 3, top 4 and both riders into the top 6 at times. Unfortunately, Tom had a fall on his final exit into T5 which is heavy braking, fortunately no injuries so he will come back stronger but before his crash he had a good feel for the bike. The wet weather will likely continue into tomorrow, and most likely also Sunday so we will be on wets most of the weekend. There is a slight possibility of a dry session, but I think we are looking at all 3 races in the rain. We will take our strong FP1 and FP2 pace into tomorrow’s qualifying and race.”
Marc Bongers - BMW Motorrad Motosport Director
“All in all, a satisfying day, although P6 and P9 might not show that. Tom had an unfortunate crash during FP2 which left a fair bit of damage, but we will sort that for tomorrow. Our pace from both Tom and Eugene has been good, in the rain we have been progressively moving ourselves up the timesheet. Eugene got stuck in some traffic on his last flying lap, so we definitely have the pace for the top 5. I am pleased, for me the rain can keep coming and let’s see what happens in tomorrows race.”
Tom Sykes (GBR)
“The BMW S 1000 RR is making big steps forward, and we have shown that today. The general set-up of the bike has been good, of course in the wet conditions the competition becomes a bit more level, which coincidentally is where the majority of our podiums came last year. We did have a crash during this afternoons FP2 coming into T5. I was marginally on the left side on corner entry, which as a rider you tend not to do as it is very slippy on that corner, this unfortunately caught us out. I am looking forward to tomorrow. The weather is looking a little unpredictable from the morning to the afternoon which will be interesting, but for sure we will be coming out fighting whatever the weather.”
Eugene Laverty (IRL)
“I really enjoyed today. The first real outing on the BMW S 1000 RR in the rain was in Catalunya, and I felt comfortable back then so with the running time today we felt fast and consistent. The grip level on the rear today was really strong so I could push the bike to feel the limit. The grip also on exit with the BMW S 1000 RR is good, we just need to potentially find some more grip on corner entry to improve the performance. The new tyre Pirelli have brought here has also worked well, especially when there is more standing water. This has also helped with the new asphalt that has been laid here as the lap times have been a lot quicker than in previous years. My aim for tomorrow is to keep enjoying my riding, the bike feels good and I am enjoying my riding, so let’s see where we end up.”
