BANKIA Aspar’s Faubel & Terol Share Motegi Front Row
The 125cc Grand Prix of Japan looks certain to be a four way battle between Nico Terol, Héctor Faubel, Johann Zarco and Maverick Viñales, with the possible addition of Albert Moncato to the lead group. Zarco was the quickest of the group today, taking pole position inside last year’s best qualifying time, closely followed by the BANKIA Aspar pairing of Faubel and Terol, who line up together on the front row for the third race in succession.
It was a good day for all three BANKIA Aspar riders, with Faubel particularly impressive in fighting hard for pole despite still struggle with a back problem. A sensational final lap had him fastest in the first three sectors until traffic in T4 cost him valuable tenths and a place at the very front of the grid. Terol clocked three fast laps towards the end of the session but a final tyre change did not turn out as planned and he will have to wait until tomorrow before confirming his excellent pace. Team youngster Adrián Martín completed a highly satisfactory day with a third row start in ninth place.
2nd Héctor Faubel 1.58.130 (17 laps):
“It was a shame that we couldn’t finish with pole but I got held up in the final turn of what would have been my fastest lap. Despite that I’m happy because we had a little engine problem that cost us time yesterday but we fixed it this morning and took another step this afternoon. I am really happy with the performance of the bike and I have to say thanks to my new chief mechanic because since he arrived we have been finding solutions fast. We have been competitive in practice but now we need to back it up in the race. It looks like there could be a break of three or four riders and I am in there with the guys who are fighting for the title so if it comes to it I will try to help my team-mate Nico. My neck is a little painful but I hope to be able to push all the way to the end.”
3rd Nico Terol 1.58.248 (17 laps):
“No race is ever easy but it looks like tomorrow will be particularly tough because there are a few riders with the pace to win. I am happy with the rhythm we put together today and even though I wasn’t comfortable enough to push on my last lap and fight for pole I am satisfied overall. We will try and find something extra tonight but we are pretty much sorted for the race. My team-mate Héctor and I have similar lap times, along with Viñales and Zarco, so the first few laps will be crucial tomorrow. Hopefully I can be fighting for the win with Héctor up there too because he deserves a good result.”
9th Adrián Martín 1.59.418 (16 laps):
“Things went well all day today. This morning we did a lot of laps on used tyres and tried some different compounds to give me a good idea of what we need to do in the race tomorrow. I am really happy to have qualified ninth. It could have been even better over the last couple of laps but I am still pleased and a third row start should help me get involved with the second group tomorrow.”
Source: Aspar Media
