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Toprak targeted the Ducati on Friday at Mandalika. The Turkish rider reached the third time trial at the end of the day, finishing just over a tenth from Rinaldi’s Panigale V4.The Yamaha rider worked mostly on his pace, charting the way towards Race 1 tomorrow.
Compared to Australia, the sensations are quite different.
“I worked on the race simulation today and had good sensations,” Toprak said. “The only difficulty was a problem with the rear, but we figured out why. We then swapped the tire and made some changes, since I felt like I was shaking on the bike. I’m definitely happier today than at Phillip Island. We were able to work on different components and make improvements.”
The Turkish rider worked in view of the race today.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t see Alvaro’s and Michael’s race simulations, even if I’m sure they were fast. Surely, Rea and Locatelli will be. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. I want to be confident and aim at progressing on Saturday morning in terms of set-up.”
In the meantime, the Ducati is still scary.
“Ducati is also fast here, both on the straight and exiting corners. In fact, we’ve seen it in different parts of the track. So I know I’ll have to fight for the win, but I’m ready. Today we worked a lot starting in the morning, even though the track wasn’t in good condition. Just to give you an example, the SC1 was completely destroyed in the FP1. I had to immediately return to the pits.”
Compared to Australia, Toprak seems like he's in quite a different mood.
“Compared to Phillip Island, the bike behaves well. In fact, I’m confident, and I can ride well. Tomorrow, however, we’ll have to take another step forward, working mainly with the rear brake. Qualifications? I’ll try to reach 1’30” like in the MotoGP. It would be a good thing if I could.”
