Before the race Lorenzo scored a fantastic P3 for the team in Superpole 2, setting a blistering lap that placed him behind only Sykes and Rea and marking a significant step forward for Milwaukee Aprilia. Eugene took a respectable P8, finishing the session three tenths off the pace of his teammate.

The team's race result didn't quite deliver on the promise of Superpole, with both riders hampered by separate technical issues. Lorenzo made a steady start and followed the leaders, after being passed by the fast-starting Lowes and Camier. Waiting for his opportunity to attack, he was forced into damage limitation when his bike developed a traction control issue that cost him time and the chance to push forward. Unchallenged for most of the race, he brought home nine important points and secured a P4 starting position for Race Two.

Eugene was caught up in a clash at Turn One at the race start, and was pushed wide into the run-off area. Dropped to the back of the field, he pushed an excellent recovery attack which moved him to P9 by lap five. From there he passed Reiterberger and shadowed teammate Lorenzo. He fended off Fores and Torres for much of the race, but was then affected by a backshift issue on his RSV4 RF which put him on the backfoot until he could finish P10 with 6 points

With another chance to prove their mettle on Sunday, the team will ensure both riders and bikes are on song for Race Two.

The action continues for Milwaukee Aprilia on Sunday with Race 2 at 13:00 (12:00 GMT).