FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM POSITIVE ABOUT PHILLIP ISLAND RACE
The two teammates Toni Elias and Rubén Xaus completed
the second day of practice at the Australian Phillip Island
circuit today. Toni Elias is once again back to the kind of
form he showed before the serious injury to his left wrist,
taking seventh position on the grid. The rider is much more
comfortable on board his M1 and tomorrow hopes to have a good
race. His compatriot Rubén Xaus finds himself at one
of his favourite tracks this weekend, and having had top results
in the past is hoping for his best finish on the M1 tomorrow.
Toni Elias
Combined Free Practice: 6th, 1’31.149, +1.103 from Rossi
Qualifying: 7th, 3rd row, 1’30.094, +0.757 from Hayden’s
pole
“I’m satisfied, because I think we’ve done
a great job this weekend. Above all we have focused on the
race, which is where the problems have been recently, with
a full tank in particular. I hope that it helps us tomorrow.
At the moment I am really happy with my best qualifying result
so far, and I hope to get a good start and get into the second
group, because I think the front is a step too far for me
at the moment.”
Rubén Xaus
Combined Free Practice: 15th, 1’32.699, +2.653 from
Rossi
Qualifying: 15th, 5th row, 1’31.728, +2.391 from Hayden’s
pole
“With the last qualifier in I found a rider in the
middle of the racing line, but I’m not sure it made
too much difference. I’m feeling better, and we’re
steadily moving forwards. I hope to have a good race, I’m
going to give my all, I want to pick up points and positions
if I can.”
Hervé Poncharal, Fortuna Yamaha MOTOGP Team
Director
“At the moment it’s a good weekend for our team.
Both riders are working well. We’ve been lucky with
the weather, sunshine and not too much wind, which isn’t
always the case at this time of year in Phillip Island.
I think that Toni had a great qualifying session, 7th, which
means the 3rd row and is his best performance of the year,
very close to a 6th placed Max Biaggi. It’s not just
about one lap either, so we can hope for a consistent race
from Toni. I also want to thank Rubén for his hard
work, he has really pushed hard all weekend. He has qualified
well and has cut down the distance to the riders ahead of
him in the championship. I hope that he can get involved in
the group and isn’t forced to ride a solitary race.”
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