Juanfran Guevara secures best ever grid spot with 8th at Mugello

Moto3 qualifying was held in warm sunshine at Mugello this afternoon as the battle for the perfect lap took place around the huge Italian circuit.

As usual here slipstreams played a vital part and with twenty minutes still remaining of the session Alex Rins took advantage of a tow from Jack Miller to set a stunning lap of 1’56.999, clocking a new pole record and securing front spot on tomorrow’s grid into the bargain.

Miller did his best to usurp the Spaniard in the final minutes but could only close to within two tenths, with ten riders lapping within the same second to set up another tight race tomorrow.

MAPFRE Aspar rider Juanfran Guevara is hoping to stick with the lead group in the race after enjoying his best Grand Prix weekend so far.

The Spanish youngster is reaping the rewards of the hard work he and his mechanics have been putting in all season and he was repaid today with his best ever grid position.

Riding an updated chassis on his Kalex machine, a lap of 1’57.967 represented an improvement of more than a second on his best effort from yesterday and was enough to secure eighth place and a third row start tomorrow.

8th Juanfran Guevara 1.57.967 (17 laps):
“We knew in France that we would have a little chassis update for this weekend and to be honest it has made a big difference to my feeling and confidence on the bike. We have set a good pace today and I am happy. The start of the race will be tough tomorrow because there will be a lot of riders trying to stay in touch with the front. To start on the third row is good because it should help us stay out of traffic into the first corner and over the first few laps. Finally the work we have been putting in over the first few rounds is paying off and we have a competitive bike, I feel strong and I feel motivated so we’re ready to fight for a good result. As I said, the start will be crucial to not lose touch with the front group.”

Source: Aspar Media