Barni Racing Team on defense in race 1 at Donington

A day to forget for Barni Racing Team at Donington Park circuit, eighth round of MOTUL FIM WorldSBK. Rinaldi ended twelfth after the start from the fifteenth spot of the grid, but He wasn’t able to be competitive with the first group. Positive end of the race when Michael overtook Razgatlioglu, conquering 4 important points for the championship standing.

Superpole

The free practices, concluded in eighth position and played in wet condition, gave a hope for a positive day. In the qualifying session, without the good feeling with his Ducati Panigale V4 R, the rider from Santarcangelo di Romagna wasn’t able to repeat the good result. 

Rinaldi ended fifteenth the superpole with the best time of 1’32.602.  

Race 1

Race 1 affected by rain and autumn-like temperatures, with 16 °C of the air and 18 °C of the tarmac. Started from the fifth row, Michael wasn’t able to follow the second group of riders and He had to fight on the back with Melandri and Kiyonari. Due to the tricky track conditions, several crash occurred: Torres, Cortese and Bautista hit the ground and Rinaldi earned the thirteenth position. In the second half of the race the Barni Racing Team rider improved his pace, riding constantly between the high 1’41 and the low 1’42 and marking his best time in 1’41.587. At the end of the race the #21 was able to conquer one more position overtaking Razgatlioglu and crossing the finish line 12th. Thanks to the 4 points of Race 1, Rinaldi is eleventh at 81 points in the overall standing. 

Marco Barnabò - Team Principal

"The condition made this track even more tricky for us. We hoped in a better result because in FP3 on wet track we were in the top ten. In the qualifying session we were competitive until we lapped with rain tyre. We expected something more from the race, but we had grip problems. If tomorrow will be dry, we would work in the warm up to improve the set up".

Michael Ruben Rinaldi #21

"On wet condition we were quick enough but I did not have feeling on the back. I didn’t have enough grip on the back rear and data confirmed it. The risk to fall was real and we prefered to play on defense and take home the best possible result. The weather forecast predicts no rain tomorrow and we hope to be more competitive".