By Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix exponents finally took to the 6.2 miles long Guia Circuit (25 degrees track temperature) today, as a one-hour long free-practice awaited the twenty international road racers participating.
Commencing at 07:20 AM (local time – UK time 11:20 PM), the paddock was a buzzing hive of activity with riders more than a touch keen to gain much needed track-time, ahead of the sole qualifying session (scheduled start-time 08:50 AM local time – UK time 12:50 AM).
First to set a competitive lap-time was fourteen times TT winner, reigning event Champion Peter Hickman.
2022 winner Erno Kostamo, set the pace post opening flying laps, closely followed by Guia Circuit legend Michael Rutter.
Unfortunately, with just over 48 minutes of the session to go, competitive proceedings stopped due to a dash of inclement weather.
A course inspection lap featuring Hickman, Rutter, Jackson Racing’s Paul Jordan followed.
You could tell though from the body language of Hickman, Rutter, Jordan, post the inspection-lap that course conditions were not ideal to say the least.
The session would not re-start, meaning practice session success for Imatranajo king Kostamo (2.35.518).
SMT Racing’s Rob Hodson (2.40.807), lead FHO Racing runner Rutter (2.41.044), impressive Guia Circuit first-timer Luca Gottardi (2.41.358), two-plate holder Jordan (2.41.533), world’s fastest road racer Hickman (2.43.912) completed the leader-board top six.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
