PROVISIONAL POLE FOR JORGE LORENZO - First day
After the second place secured in Mugello, and the extra
motivation of racing in Spain, Jorge Lorenzo was the main
protagonist in the first day of qualifying at the Grand Prix
of Catalunya. The FORTUNA HONDA rider was quickest in both
sessions on Friday and is now one of the favourites for victory
on Sunday. Hector Barbera, his team-mate, had a minor eye
problem, but hopes to be recovered by tomorrow.
Jorge Lorenzo (48):
(Free session - 1: 1.47.274, 1st – 24/25 laps
(Qualifying session - 1: 1.46.748, 1st -18/19 laps)
Although Lorenzo was lacking a bit of power in his bike in
the morning, Lorenzo dominated the afternoon session and posted
several quick laps which leave him looking in very good shape
for the race.
“I can still improve a bit, but I now have the confidence
in myself I was lacking. I didn’t know where the limits
were in this category, but now - after five races - I am beginning
to see them. I have always gone quickly at Montmelo, even
in my first year in 125 when I was just 15. Although the competition
is very tough and everyone wants to win, I am here to give
it my all and try and please the fans.”
Héctor Barberá (80):
(Morning session - 1: 1.48.716, 9th + 1.442 – 10/23
laps)
(Qualifying session - 1: 1.47.819, 9th + 1.071 -18/19 laps)
“This morning I had a few small problems with the set-up,
although we kept working and you could see the improvements
as we improved by nearly a second. We can still get better
though. I have a problem with my left eye, a type of conjunctivitis,
which stopped me doing more than four laps at a time. I hope
I will be better tomorrow and can progress further.”
Dani Amatriaín, FORTUNA HONDA Team Manager:
“Jorge’s result is the result of the work the
team have been doing for a long time and, of course, the strength
of the entire team. We have to be positive and optimistic.
However, the best is still to come and we can not afford to
relax because the level of competition is higher than ever.”
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