Le Mans, 15 May: the MotoGP teams and riders gathered at the famous Le Mans circuit in the Sarthe region of France for the first day of practices at the 4.185 km track which hosts the fourth round of the season with a temperature of 13°C and typical downpours which affected the first free session.

After the brilliant 4th place at Jerez race track two weeks ago, the LCR Honda MotoGP racer Randy De Puniet went back on track today with a special livery of his Honda RC212V no. 14 decorated with the blue, white and red national flag. The 28-year-old came in to chase the correct package for the “stop-and-go” track getting the 3rd position with a 1’36.293 best lap time. But, at 20 minutes to go, Randy and his colleagues finished their daily work earlier because of a downpour saving their energies for tomorrows second session. Todays’ frontrunner Dovizioso set a quickest lap time of 1’36.136.

De Puniet – 3° - 1’36.293

De Puniet – 3th: “This is Le Mans’ typical weather so I am not surprised about that. It was a very short session but I feel confident as my first run out was pretty good. The machine was set up as we raced in Jerez with some little adjustments. Considering the weather rapid changes I stay outside as long as possible but, at 20 minutes to go, the rain became heavier and I stopped my daily to-do list. We will try some engine mapping in tomorrow’s session and keep our fingers crossed for the weather