Simon Targets Le Mans Podium

 In Moto2, News

Yesterday some sixteen riders lapped within the same second during Moto2 free practice at Le Mans and today during qualifying that number was extended to eighteen. It promises to be a chaotic race once the lights go out tomorrow, as forty riders head for turn one and the tight chicane that follows. Series leader Stefan Bradl starts as a narrow favourite from pole position but at least nine riders behind him have the pace to challenge for the win.

MAPFRE Aspar rider Julián Simón, who finished second last year, is determined to repeat that podium finish and his one from Portugal in the last round. The Spaniard will start from the third row after qualifying ninth fastest, a lap time of 1’38.819 leaving him just four tenths shy of pole position but with a consistency in the low 1’39s that is sure to form the basis of a strong challenge tomorrow. His team-mate Xavi Forés will also aim to make up several positions having today lapped just 1.2 seconds off pole position but only managing 24th position on the ultra-competitive grid. His target is to continue gathering experience and, if possible, points.

9th Julián Simón 1.38.819 (22 laps):
“Qualifying practice was really close – there are a lot of riders within a few tenths of a second. I think we made the wrong tyre choice at the end of the session and that stopped me from challenging for a better position on the grid. The most important thing is that we have the pace to be running at the front if we can make a good start. Bradl and Luthi look really strong so we have to make sure they don’t escape at the start. It should be a fun race, especially over the first few laps, but we have the pace to chase Bradl and finish on the podium – it all just depends on the start.”

24th Xavi Forés 1.39.576 (22 laps):
“As far as the lap times are concerned and the gap to the guys at the front I am happy because we are closer than past races. I feel more and more comfortable with the bike and get faster every time we go out. I am only 1.2 seconds off the fastest lap yet we are still down in 24th position, which shows you how tough this category is. We have to think positive and keep working in the same way we are now because that will eventually take us into the points.”

Source: Aspar Media

Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Start typing and press Enter to search