Jordi Torres 5th, Nico Terol 7th in superb Jerez qualifying
The ground was baking at three o’clock in the afternoon at Jerez as the Moto2 riders went out for QP on Saturday.
In fact it was so hot the temperatures actually slowed the riders down in comparison with their FP3 outing. More hot weather is forecast for Sunday but the intermediate class riders will race earlier in the day than they went out for QP on Saturday. Nonetheless tyre wear will be crucial and those who can take care of their tyres throughout the race are sure to have an advantage towards the end. There are several riders looking good for podium charges this weekend, though Rabat appears to be a step ahead of the rest in terms of race pace.
Jordi Torres showed again on Saturday that he is always more comfortable on Spanish soil, equalling his best ever grid spot of fifth, the same he achieve last year at Aragon and Valencia. A good reward for his weekend’s work so far, improving his set-up gradually Jordi pulled out a great late lap in QP to achieve fifth and he is ready to race.
From the second row he will aim for his best ever Moto2 race finish. Behind him in seventh Nico Terol has also been working hard all weekend to be ready for Sunday. His good pace in free practice and his confidence from his Austin victory mean he is aiming for the podium again.
5th Jordi Torres 1.43.990 (21 laps):
“We worked hard on Saturday morning to ensure a good setting for QP especially focussing on rear grip. The heat in the afternoon meant it was slippy out there but the good preparation we did meant we were able to stay in the top ten constantly. Fifth is good, I’m pleased with that and we can get a good result in the race by fighting hard. We need to concentrate hard in the opening laps, which will be crucial and being up towards the front is very motivating. I want to gain the máximum possible experience from this. It’s hard running with the top guys as they know the track so well. Rabat looks strong enough to pull away at the front but there should be a good fight for the podium behind him.”
7th Nico Terol 1.44.008 (20 laps):
“We’ve put the graft in throughout the weekend to be honest, but I’m still annoyed as I lost some time in T4 because of an error. That tenth of a second takes me from third to seventh. Overall I have to be satisfied with my good pace throughout the weekend though and the bike is improving gradually. I was enjoying sliding into corners which was helping me get round but we need more grip really. We need to work hard in warm-up but my team guys are doing well. Engine responsiveness is good and we’re ready to race. I need to be focussed for the start and to fight well. There are plenty of laps in the race and we need to save our tyres, so we’re pushing hard at the end.”
Source: Aspar Media
