Terol Sets The Pace In Sepang
This is the weekend when drinks humps come into their own and the riders need a cold shower after every session. The Malaysian Grand Prix is one of the most demanding rounds of the season, where the 125cc riders are forced to put up with searing heat as well as 90% humidity. There was no let up in the conditions today or in the pace set by BANKIA Aspar rider Nico Terol, who started out in the same dominant fashion he has done at so many races this season. Behind him Cortese, Vázquez and Faubel fought for second place in a true battle of the minor category veterans.
Terol kept his promise of starting the weekend on the front foot and was the only rider capable of breaking into the 2’13s today. He set the top speed in both sessions as well as the fastest time, stating his intentions as he targets a title-clinching performance at the second attempt. Héctor Faubel also started out in the right way, lapping amongst the pacesetters all day and finishing fourth fastest. The Spaniard just needs to improve in the third and fourth sectors before mounting a challenge for pole. Adrián Martín continued his recent good form with an encouraging ninth place.
1st Nico Terol 2.13.864 (27 laps):
“The plan today was just to keep working in the same way as usual and disconnect ourselves from everything that’s going on around us. We wanted to find a good set-up and set a good rhythm for the race. So far we have achieved all our objectives, which helps me to stay concentrated. I am feeling highly motivated, we have made a strong start and the goal is to keep on like this for the whole weekend. We have a good feeling on new and used tyres, which is important here because of the heat over race distance.”
4th Héctor Faubel 2.14.703 (29 laps):
“I am happy because we have been up there all day and worked well to find a good set-up. I just need to find a bit more speed in T3 and T4, which should come through adjusting fifth and sixth gear. Things went well today and I am happy so tomorrow we will keep working because there is room to improve. If we can improve the bike and my riding a little I am sure we can be fighting for pole.”
9th Adrián Martín 2.15.717 (26 laps):
“I felt comfortable on the bike today but was maybe a little unprepared for the heat. It has slowed my riding down but that has maybe been a good thing because I am thinking things through and not taking any chances. It has been a good day, my pace is good and I spent most of the time lapping alone. For the first day our lap times are fast so if we can improve the chassis a little tomorrow we will be even faster.”
Source: Aspar Media
