Jorge Lorenzo takes 9th grid spot away from rain-affected Assen Qualifying

This afternoon’s qualifying session for tomorrow’s Grand Prix of the Netherlands was anything but smooth with rain falling as the clock began its 15-minute countdown.

Movistar Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo was quick to leave the pits as the first drops fell but was soon embroiled in a desperate pack of riders attempting to lock down a fast time before the track was too wet.

With no clear space for a clean hot lap and grip rapidly disappearing he returned to the pits with just over five minutes remaining, Lorenzo in ninth with a 1’42.259.

Jorge returned to the track for a last attempt but the track conditions made it impossible for any improvement. As a result Lorenzo will start tomorrow’s race from the third row in ninth position.

Jorge Lorenzo – 9th / 1’42.259 / 8 laps
“It was a pity because I think with dry conditions we could stay in first row, but it was dry but spitting in some places like normal Assen circumstances. Like this it’s very difficult to go with slicks and understand the limit of the track. You can feel good in two or three corners and suddenly arrive on one corner and it’s wet and you crash. I tried to let some riders run in first position but they didn’t want to so when we arrived in the last corner I decided to push. Maybe it wasn’t the right strategy. It’s a lesson to learn for the future. The pace is good but obviously it’s not going to be easy to overtake the in theory slower riders tomorrow. I hope to pass some people on the first corners and little by little move up. The race is long and if we have a good pace we can fight for the podium.”

Source: Yamaha Racing