Moto2 Qualifying: Julian Simon Ready For Hard Indy Race
The slippery new asphalt claimed more high profile victims today, with the series leader suffering a crash after his closest rival had also hit the deck yesterday. Marc Márquez recovered his composure today to take pole position by the slightest margin, edging out Simone Corsi by a single tenth on his very last lap. The Italian had dominated the latter stages of the session until the timely intervention of the Spanish rookie, who once again has the honour of starting from the front of the grid in what promises to be another close and unpredictable battle.
After lapping eighth fastest in this morning’s final free practice MAPFRE Aspar rider Julián Simón was looking forward to making a strong challenge this afternoon, when his principal focus was on establishing a rhythm on race tyres. He produced his best lap of the weekend so far – a 1’45.062 representing an improvement of some five seconds in just four sessions. Julián qualified fifteenth overall, meaning he will launch his quest for a strong race finish from the outside of the fifth row. Jordi Torres also made gradual progress today, taking advantage of a tow from his team-mate in the final laps to make up positions on the starting grid as he targets his first points in Moto2.
15th Julián Simón 1.45.062 (17 laps):
“I am happy with the way the day has gone despite our position, which is further back than we are used to. Even though the lap time is not particularly quick our general pace is good and if we can keep this up tomorrow we can get a good result. Maybe I could have been more decisive on my fast lap and qualified on the front three rows but if I get a good start from row five, consolidate my position over the opening laps and remain patient, I will be able to make up positions. Anyway, the objective here is to finish the race because it is important for me and the team to see that chequered flag this week. We have to be strong because it is going to be a hot and hard race but we are ready.”
21st Jordi Torres 1.45.369 (20 laps):
“This morning I was still struggling to get used to the track and I didn’t have confidence in the front end, so we worked on that for the afternoon. We went for a more conservative set-up designed to give me more confidence and it did the trick. Little by little I felt more comfortable and safe on the bike and then Julián threw me a line, which was the key moment of the session for me. I was able to stick on his wheel and that alone gained me a second. I am really thankful to him for doing me that favour. When I was following him Indianapolis felt like a completely different circuit.”
Source: Aspar Media
