Jerez GP – Qualifying: Team Aspar Quotes

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250cc

4th Álvaro Bautista 1.43.451 (20 laps):
“It was very blustery this afternoon and it made it difficult to hold your line in the corners, but it was the same for everybody. We tried a few changes to the engine setting but the results were not what we’d hoped for and I couldn’t get out of the corners well. I just tried to stay focused on getting the most out of my Aprilia and qualifying as high up the grid as possible. The front row is important and tomorrow we’ll go back to the setting we had yesterday, which we know works perfectly well. There were a lot of fast guys out there today but we’ll have to wait and see how the race develops. Obviously the Spaniards will be giving everything because we all want to win. It will be a close race and whoever wants to win it will have to be prepared to fight all the way. Hopefully it goes right to the wire and it would be great if we had an all-Spanish podium.”

7th Mike Di Meglio 1.43.792 (19 laps):
“It was difficult to get comfortable in the final session because it was so windy. We put a few different rear tyres on to try and maintain a good rhythm and we managed that despite the heat. I think my pace is good but the wind was changing things from corner to corner so I hope it isn’t the same in the race. I tried to push hard for a few laps to improve my lap time but there was a lot of traffic out there. Anyway, I think this is a good result and we can improve further in the warm-up. A second row start is positive and hopefully I can stay with the front group. My objective is simply to enjoy myself, get some more laps under my belt and learn more about this category.”

10th Gábor Talmácsi 1.44.058 (18 laps):
“The strong winds out on track were a real hindrance today. The bike was working well and I think we have a good race pace but we struggled when it came to setting a fast lap. I think it’s just a case of ironing out a few small details and if we can do that then I’m sure we can close the gap. Basically we need to improve rear grip and corner speed. We tried a few different tyres and modified the chassis setting but I still don’t have a great feeling for the bike. I tried to push for a faster time but the wind made it difficult. In general I’m satisfied and I think that we can have a good race tomorrow from the third row. Hopefully we can take the little step forward we need in the warm-up.”

125cc

1st Julián Simón 1.48.237 (17 laps):
“This morning the track conditions were perfect so it was a shame that the wind came in the afternoon because it prevented us from significantly dropping the lap times. I fought as hard as I could against the wind and the truth is that I felt quite comfortable, even though I had more than one scare. If the race is in these conditions it will be important to stay concentrated otherwise there is the danger of getting caught out. I’m really happy with our performance today and I think the race could be between Smith, Iannone, myself and maybe another rider that knows how to take advantage of a slipstream. I’ll be working as hard as I can to take the win, which would mean a lot to me, and the pole position today has given me a huge boost. It would be the perfect way to set up what could be a great season for us.”

2nd Bradley Smith 1.48.434 (19 laps):
“It was a difficult session because of the wind but it was a great battle for pole between Julito and I. I worked a lot on my position on the bike to try and adapt to the wind. Obviously I would have liked to set pole but it wasn’t to be and the important thing is I’m up near the front. If the conditions are consistent tomorrow I think we can expect a similar situation, and it will be a case of making as few mistakes as possible. It’s hard to say what will happen because when it is so windy riders can take advantage of the slipstream much more but in theory if you look at the lap times there are three riders – Julio, Iannone and myself – who should be out in front. This is 125cc racing though and there are bound to be more contenders for the podium.”

5th Sergio Gadea 1.48.955 (15 laps):
“I’m really happy because I usually struggle to get on the pace here but I’ve been on it all weekend. The clutch was slipping at the start of practice today and we lost some time. I was worried it might cost us but I managed a 1’48.9, which I’m satisfied with. Hopefully I can get a good start and run at the front. My target is a podium, which would lift us after two difficult races, and if it’s not possible just pick up as many points as possible.”

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