Gauloises Ceske Rep. GP
First day / BACK TO WORK
The Grand Prix of the Czech Republic, the tenth round in
the 250 World Championship, is a return to work for teams
and riders alike, after a three week break from action since
the previous round at the German Sachsenring circuit. In this
time, the FORTUNA HONDA team focused on relaxing and recharging
their batteries for the hectic run-in to the season end, which
sees seven Grands Prix in under three months, with most outside
Europe. For JORGE LORENZO, the Brno race holds special significance.
Last year at the Czech track saw him take a stunning victory
in the 125 cc race, after an explosive last lap took him to
the top step of the podium ahead of many of his rivals in
this season’s quarter-litre category. The Mallorcan
rider crossed the line just 0.036 seconds ahead of second
place, in one of the closest finishes of all time. HECTOR
BARBERA, meanwhile, managed to fight back from 24th place
to lead the race, although in the end he had to settle for
seventh place, having broken the speed record at the time
and after having had an intense battle with Lorenzo himself.
LORENZO set the pace in the free morning practice. In the
afternoon he held top spot during the majority on the session,
but on an intense and hard-fought last lap, a gear-change
error stopped him short of setting the time that would have
seen him consolidate top spot.
JORGE LORENZO (48):
Free practice-1: 1º-2.04.259 (16/20 laps)
Qualifying practice -1: 2º-2.03.332 + 0.148 (17/17 laps)
“I made a mistake on the last lap and changed from
third to fourth gear up the hill and lost time. Apart from
that I’m satisfied because it’s clear that I’m
getting more and more used to it out there and we’re
improving, which is the main thing. Even though Brno isn’t
my favourite circuit I have proved that I can do well here
so I think I’ve got quite a good chance on Sunday”.
HECTOR BARBERA (80):
Free practice -1: 6º-2.04.665 a 0.406 (21/21 laps)
Qualifying practice -1: 9º-2.04.564 + 1.380 (15/16 laps)
“I had a problem with the engine at the start of the
session and had to change bike. Even though in theory they
are both identical the reality is that they are never quite
the same. I tried to adapt as best as possible but I had a
lot of chattering problems and the rear was sliding around.
Tomorrow I’m hopeful of improving because we’ve
definitely got margin to do so. We tried a few changes today
that helped a lot and I think we’ll be able to advance
a fair way.”
BEST TIME OF THE DAY: D.Pedrosa, 2.03.184
CIRCUIT RECORD: D.Pedrosa, 2.03.332 (2.004)
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