First qualifying practice
CHANCE FOR HOME RIDERS TO SHINE
Valencia, scene of the last round of the World Championship
season, has presented the FORTUNA HONDA riders with the perfect
way to sign off in their home race. For HECTOR BARBERA –
who turned 19 this week – the race at Cheste is extra
special as is it just down the road from his birthplace of
Dos Aguas, meaning his sponsors, family and fans are closer
than ever. What’s more, he won at this circuit last
year to confirm his status as runner-up in the 125 class.
One of his chief rivals in the fight for second place in that
championship was current FORTUNA HONDA team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
Lorenzo fell when lapping second in that race last year. In
the morning session it was Lorenzo who went fastest, although
he had to settle for sixth in the afternoon. Barbera started
slowly by finishing eighth in the morning, but was just three
tenths off pole in the afternoon – ending the day third
on the provisional grid.
HECTOR BARBERA (80):
Free session: 8th - 1.37.276 + 0.448 (23/27 laps)
Qualifying session: 3rd - 1.36.443 + 0.300 (19/19 laps)
“We are at home and I believe we can still improve
quite a lot. This morning we had some problems but we sorted
them in the afternoon and I was a lot happier. It would be
a dream to get a podium finish here; I would love to do it
for myself – of course – but also for the fans
who have supported me throughout the year. I am very happy
on the bike, we are continuing to improve and you can see
that in the result today.”
JORGE LORENZO (48):
Free session: 1st - 1.36.828 (27/28 v.)
Qualifying session: 6th - 1.36.523 + 0.380 (19/21 laps)
“We must keep working. I came out very motivated today
and really wanted to do well in the afternoon after going
so well in the morning. It’s obvious we’re losing
time on the straight and that is making it difficult for us.
If we can’t make up that time we’ll struggle in
the race.”
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