XAUS AND ELIAS OFF TO GOOD START IN SEPANG
TONI ELIAS and RUBEN XAUS will be hoping for better fortune
at this weekend’s Malaysian GP than they enjoyed in
Japan although the race in Sepang will be round number 13
(unlucky for some) in the World Championship. At the start
of the week the two Spanish riders were welcomed by Spain’s
ambassador in Malaysia, German Bejerano, at his residence
in Kuala Lumpur. Today’s qualifying was marked by rain
which fell in the afternoon and by the humid heat which is
the norm in this part of the world. The free session in the
morning took place in dry conditions, but the afternoon session
was hindered by rain which kept the riders in their boxes
for the first fifteen minutes. Although the track dried out,
the riders could not match their times from the morning. TONI
ELIAS won the 250 race here in 2003 having also posted the
best time in both qualifying sessions. This is the 15th Malaysian
GP with the first being held at the Shah Alam circuit in 1991.
It is the seventh occasion it has been held at Sepang.
TONI ELIAS (24):
Free session: 13th-2.04.576 + 1.277
Qualifying session: 8th- 2.17.632 + 1.578
“We had a good session the afternoon although tyre
selection was difficult as the track was still a bit damp.
Also, it’s not easy riding in these temperatures as
the heat is very intense. The important thing is that we were
able to get some work done despite the rain, but tomorrow
I hope we get dry conditions which is what everyone wants.”
RUBEN XAUS (11):
Free session: 17th-2.06.919 + 3.620
Qualifying session: 16th-2.20.622 + 4.668
“We still have another day so I didn’t really
want to risk too much today as you still couldn’t tell
whether the track was dry or damp. At least we were able to
work on the rain set-up as the predictions are that Sunday’s
race could have rain.”
HERVE PONCHARAL, Team Manager FORTUNA YAMAHA:
“I think it was a good day of qualifying. Toni has
rediscovered his rhythm despite the difficult conditions and
battled well to finish eighth in the session. Ruben improved
in comparison to the last few races and if we can continue
like this we could have a very good day on Sunday.”
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