The 2013 European Junior Cup looks like continuing the trend of providing ultra closes races this year if today’s opening free practice session at Motorland Aragon, Spain is anything to go by.
As the 35 riders used the 45 minute session to familiarise themselves with both bike and circuit in the Spanish sun it was Spaniard Ilian Fernandez who posted the fastest time a fraction ahead of Guillaume Raymond from France. 3rd went to Augusto Fernandez, while Kiwi Jake Lewis who is returning to the series this year in 4th. Indonesian rider Ali Adriansvah Rusmiputro was an encouraging 5th while Ilya Mykhalchyk who contested the cup last year rounded out the top 6.
In addition to 32 permanent male riders there are 2 female competitors on this year’s boosted entry list. Sabrina Pauita from Brazil made her mark amongst the boys with 22nd overall while Amelie Demoulin was 34th.
Adrien Pittet and Stefan Hill both had off track moments but are unhurt and will make qualifying tomorrow as will Charly Ebehard from Belgium who had a small technical problem towards the end of the session.
With a second covering the top six, tomorrow’s only qualifying session looks certain to be entertaining.