Joan Mir starts second in Germany
The leader of the Moto3 class, Joan Mir, dominated the FP3 and Qualifying sessions, and was within sight of pole at the Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland – the dream fading only in the final moments.
A good morning started proceedings at the Sachsenring on Saturday: the day could not have started better for the Leopard Racing team with both teammates Joan Mir and Livio Loi towards the front, confirming their pace and speed from yesterday.
Even in FP3, the duo shone on the 3.7km of the German track, with the talent of Palma de Mallorca showing his leadership from the first run on the track and with his teammate following in his wake and coming down under the 1’28 barrier. The last free practice session ended with both riders on the provisional front row, 1st place for Mir and 3rd for Loi, divided by Bendsneyder.
But the most anticipated time of the day was, as always, Qualifying in the afternoon. The two Leopard Racing Team riders were enthusiastic to leave pit-lane to take advantage of all the time at their disposal. Joan Mir dispatched a series of fast laps, always gravitating towards provisional pole.
Palma de Mallorca’s talent continued to push and force his way through the 1’27’’ barrier. 13 minutes from the end, passing rain fell on the Sachsenring: in the final moments and with a rapidly drying circuit, Mir chose to save an M tyre as a backup for Sunday’s action – settling for second on the grid.
The protagonists of the Moto3 class will return tomorrow morning at 8:40 am for 20 minutes of Warm Up, anticipating 2017 season’s ninth race, which will kick off at 11:00 local time.
#36 Joan MIR – 2nd (1’26.933):
“The pole escaped us at the last moment but we have to look at the positive aspects: we have always been ahead in every session, we have a very good pace that is very important for our objectives. Tomorrow there will also be the weather factor, but we will do our best and we will play our cards as they are dealt.”