Pol Espargaro will begin Qatar race from row three

Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider Pol Espargaro will commence his 2016 campaign from the third row of the grid after a determined performance today in Qatar. A thorough effort in FP3 yesterday allowed the young Spaniard to progress to QP2 where he launched into action as soon as the session began. Espargaro built up his speed before setting a personal best on his last lap that was only just over six tenths from the front row. With his confidence high in his race rhythm, the 25-year-olds sights are now firmly set on winning the battle for the leading satellite position tomorrow.

9th – Pol Espargaro – 1’55.302
“In all honesty, I think that we have put ourselves in a promising place for tomorrow. My race pace is strong and our position in FP4 showed that. We have a clear idea about which choice of compound to use and we know that some other riders are struggling with the tyre life. However, we still need to stay focused and sort out a few minor issues in tomorrow’s warm up, but I feel prepared and ready. Regarding my qualifying position right now, I’m actually a bit irritated because I’m convinced I could have done a better lap time. Of course, that’s easy to say now, but when I left the garage for my last run I was together with some other riders and as we aren’t particularly strong on one single lap at the moment, the last thing I wanted was to have the other riders behind me. Therefore I waited, but probably a bit too long, so I didn’t do a faster time. Nevertheless, I’m realistic and I wouldn’t have been on second row anyway, but I could have been at least a bit higher on my line, therefore there is a slight bitter sweet taste in my mouth. Yet, altogether we have done a good job. I did my lap on my own and I believe that there are a few riders with a worse rhythm in front. Tomorrow will, for sure, be entertaining and the initial laps with the full fuel load might be interesting but I’m 100% motivated to clinch a positive result.”

Source – Tech3