Reale Avintia Racing – GP of Catalunya– Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya
The race day at the GP of Catalunya started really well for Tito Rabat, who clocked the second fastest time in the warm-up session, leaving no doubt that he had his homework done for the 24-lap-race. When the red light went out, he did a good start and, despite losing some positions initially, clawed his way back to take ninth on lap 15. But only three laps later he ran into a mechanical problem and was forced to retire with his Ducati on fire. But nevertheless, the Reale Avintia Racing Team rider was quite satisfied, because from race to race, he is getting closer to the top and he shows his great potential.
For Simeon, the race finished in the eighth lap with a crash in turn one. All in all though, the Belgian rider was still happy with his progress over the weekend at Barcelona. He improved in each free practice session and in the race, he was fighting within a group of riders until the crash.
It was a very special Sunday for everyone in the Reale Avintia Racing team remembering Andreas Pérez and it was a pity that Rabat and Simeon were not able to dedicate a strong result to the young rider who tragically lost his life one week ago.
The riders will stay at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to complete a one-day-test on Monday in order to get ready for the next round in Assen in just two weeks time.
“It was a shame because until this moment, our weekend was perfect, the race included. We were close to the front and I think it would have been possible to score a good result. We had positive experiences throughout the weekend, like our strong FP3 that allowed me to get straight in Q2, like my good start in the race today and my strong race pace. I overtook several riders and got a lot of information for my technical crew. I’m happy because race by race I feel more confident with the bike. I love how the Ducati works and my team did a wonderful job again. We wanted to push very hard at home, and this things can happen. Now we are concentrating on tomorrow’s test and the next round in Assen.”
“I want to say sorry to my team, because the crash was my fault. Apart of that, the weekend has been positive and I want to keep all this in my mind and learn from the mistakes. During the weekend we have been closer, and I was able to show more of my potential, and this is definitely positive. I understand better now how this bike works, so despite the crash I think I have reason to be happy. I look forward to go to Assen and keep this progression.”
