POLE FOR LORENZO DESPITE HIS COLLARBONE INJURY
JORGE LORENZO has done it again. Just as he did at Mugello,
the FORTUNA HONDA rider will start the Dutch GP at Assen from
pole just twelve days after his fall at Montmelo that required
him to have surgery on a fractured collarbone. The Mallorcan
rider took pole on the last lap of the qualifying session,
confirming the promise he has shown during qualifying thus
far despite the intense pain he is still suffering. Lorenzo,
who won the 125 race here last year, enjoys the Assen circuit
and tomorrow will be searching for his first victory in the
250 class after seven attempts without success. HECTOR BARBERA,
in the team managed by Dani Amarriain, will start on the second
row after failing to better his time from yesterday. The rider
from Dos Aguas has once again displayed his growing confidence
in the category and could be ready for make the big impact
his progress suggests.
Jorge Lorenzo (48):
(Free session 2: 2.05.781, 4th + 0.567 – 10/21 laps)
(Qualifying session: 2.04.562, POLE POSITION)
“The pain was worth it. It was really hard because
the pain hurt and awful lot. I think I posted a good time,
although I still could have gone faster as I wasn’t
perfect. Although we have found a very good rhythm, the race
will be very difficult. This is a very hard circuit and I
will tire quicker than normal because of the injury –
I’m not as fit as I was before the fall at Montmelo.
I want to thank my mechanics for the effort they have put
in to improve the bike, especially Juanito Llansa, as today
is his birthday and this pole is the best present I could
offer him.”
Héctor Barberá (80):
(Free session 2: 2.05.861, 5th + 0.647 – 20/22 laps)
(Qualifying session: 2.06.255, 8th + 0.725 –yesterday’s
time-)
“Although things went quite well for me in the morning,
and I beat my time from yesterday, things changed in the afternoon.
The heat affected me and I was not able to improve my time.
Perhaps I pushed to hard at the start of the session because
I wanted to do well. But I am ready for the race: I have found
a good set-up and I know which tyres to use. I just hope I
can give my very best in the race.”
Dani Amatriaín, team manager Fortuna Honda
“Jorge’s pole today was, of course, very much
deserved. But we must not forget the work done by the mechanics,
and also by Dr. Xavier Mir who was responsible for Jorge’s
quick recovery. We must thank him for getting our rider in
the best shape possible.”
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