GRAND PRIX OF QATAR
Second qualifying practice / 1-2 FOR THE FORTUNA
APRILIA TEAM IN QATAR
The FORTUNA APRILIA team secured a sensational double in
the second qualifying session ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Jorge Lorenzo and Hector Barbera continued the dominance they
enjoyed on day one at Losail although they swapped positions
with Jorge clinching pole for Saturday’s race. Lorenzo
knocked around half a second off his best time from last year,
demonstrating his progression in the class. For his part,
Hector finished up just behind his team-mate, removing some
of the bad taste left in his mouth by his misfortune in Jerez.
Tomorrow Lorenzo and Barbera will have the chance to demonstrate
their superiority over the rest of the 250 field and both
riders will be looking to take victory.
JORGE LORENZO (2'01.755, POLE POSITION)
"We sorted out the carburation problems we had and managed
to secure our second pole of the season. The team has done
a great job and, although the bike wasn’t quite at 100
percent, we managed to improve on our time from last year
and end up in first. I lapped half a second faster than in
2005 and that shows we are improving at this level all the
time. The race will be hard due to the heat and the dirtiness
of the track, and it was be key to find a good rhythm early
on and not to make mistakes. This track has many lines, but
only one clean one which is very demanding.”
HECTOR BARBERA ( 2nd - 2'02.081)
"It was a shame to lose pole position, but at least
we’re still close to Jorge. I have been very consistent
so far and I hope to get my reward in the race. I went better
in the morning than in the afternoon qualifying session where
I hit a lot of traffic which prevented me from chellenging
for pole. I hope to make a good start and not to lose the
lead group, then I’ll have a go on the last few laps.”
Pole Position: Jorge Lorenzo 2'01.755
Circuit Record: Alex de Angelis 2'03.015
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