Aron Canet confirmed himself among the frontrunners on Practice Friday in Portugal. 

During the first session, due to track conditions the Fantic Racing Team riders focused on testing, without looking for lap times. 

In the afternoon the weather conditions improved giving the riders the opportunity to better express their potential. The Fantic Racing Team and Aron Canet focused on a race simulation to gain more experience with the new Pirelli tyres. Nevertheless, Arón earned a close second, only 0.013 off the best lap time of the day. 

Xavi Cardelus, struggling with a not ideal physical form, tested various compounds and ended the day in 23rd place. 

The Fantic Racing Team will be back on track on Saturday, with Practice 2 (9:25 local time) and the all-important Qualifying (13:45 local time) looking for the second pole position in a row!

Aron Canet

"I feel very good, during Practice1 we worked on a race simulation, which is important to find the right set up. We have acquired a lot of data that will be useful to us, but we know that Sunday is always different. On the final we tried a fast lap, with a very good time, just 3 tenths from my best time on the track. We will see how the weather will be tomorrow, which always make a big difference. Tomorrow’s goal is to bring home another Tissot for the team!"

Xavi Cardelus:

"I’m happy with how the day went even if we didn’t manage to do all the laps we wanted because of the track conditions. In practice 1 I wasn't feeling good but I had good feelings from the bike"