MotoGP Le Mans: McPhee comfortable and improving on return

Friday’s Moto3 practice saw John McPhee circulating just adrift of the Le Mans top ten on his return to the Sterilgarda Max Racing Team.

McPhee made an excellent return to the track, finishing 11th in Friday’s combined standings two months after his training injury as warm temperature and sunny skies graces the Le Mans circuit.

Free practice one saw the Scot circulating 14th, with a best time of 1’43.528, before improving during the afternoon session with a fastest 1’42.732 after 15 laps around the 4.2km Bugatti Circuit. HIs time placed him on the fringes of the top ten for FP2 and eleventh overall at the close of play.

His best lap was initially cancelled, but in the afternoon race management, having carefully reviewed the session footage, reinstated his time.

“It has been so nice to be back, working together after such a long time,” McPhee said from France.

“I felt quite comfortable on the bike in FP1, even though I was still a little bit uncomfortable in some areas. Overall I think we have done a good job! We have improved lap by lap and we managed to get a good time.

“It was a solid day one and I am happy with the progress. Now we have a night to sleep on it. Tomorrow we will continue to work hard.”

“This first day on the Bugatti was quite unusual, as the rain never made its appearance,” Team Owner Max Biaggi confirmed. “In fact the weather was pretty good.

“As for the performance, John after the injury managed to achieve 11th position in the combined ranking and this is a great result.”