Simon & Fores Make Good At End Of Catalunya Qualifying
As tends to happen in the ultra-competitive Moto2 class qualifying practice was a close affair, with the top fourteen riders inside a second. Light rainfall midway through the session was not enough to bring the riders in for wet tyres but it did affect the lap times, which were a second down on last year. There was no change at the top of the order though as Stefan Bradl took his fifth pole position from the opening five races of the season.
One of the riders sure to be fighting to deny him victory will be MAPFRE Aspar’s Julián Simón. He had to work hard and be patient today but a strong final lap secured eighth place on the grid, sixth tenths off the fastest lap. The Spaniard was satisfied but realistic and knows he has work to do in tomorrow’s warm-up. Xavi Forés also made improvements throughout to clock a late fast lap that leaves him within striking distance of the lead group in thirteenth place – his best grid position of the season so far.
8th Julián Simón 1.47.355 (16 laps):
“At least at the end of the session I was able to rescue things because I had struggled to get on the pace. We spent a lot of time testing things and when that happens you lose your rhythm and positions as a result. We are on the third row and need a bit more pace to be running with the guys in front of us, but I think we can race with the lead group if I get a good start. We will try something in the warm-up tomorrow and see if I can get a bit more comfortable. You have to move heaven and earth in this class to gain four tenths of a second because it is so close and that is why we were trying so many things. I still have to improve in the second sector and hopefully we can do it tomorrow.”
13th Xavi Forés 1.47.741 (17 laps):
“This afternoon I scored my best qualifying position in Moto2. I am pretty happy because we have improved every time we’ve been on track here. This morning I spent the whole session on used tyres just to get a feel for race conditions and then the afternoon was a case of putting some new rubber on and pushing hard for the best lap possible. I had a lot of rear grip at the end of the session but it was folding the front and I just had to close my eyes and go for it. This is my home race so I needed a good position whatever. I have struggled to adapt to this category but I think we are getting the rewards for our hard work now and I have the pace to be in the second group and fighting for points tomorrow.”
Source: Aspar Media