GAULOISES CESKE REP GP
First qualifying practice / JORGE LORENZO ON COURSE
FOR EIGHTH POLE OF SEASON AFTER GOING FASTEST AT BRNO
Jorge Lorenzo has taken provisional pole for the Czech Republic
GP in Brno and is now on course for his eighth pole of the
season. The Mallorcan FORTUNA APRILIA rider was once again
superior to all his rivals, finishing more than half a second
ahead of second-placed Andrea Dovizioso – his closest
rival in the World Championship. All the other riders finished
over 1.4 seconds behind Lorenzo, starting with Hector Barbera
– now completely recovered from his hand injury - who
took third position on the first day of qualifying. The Valencian
rider worked hard on the set-up of his bike, above all on
the fornt end. The two Fortuna Aprilia riders will now hope
to build on their excellent performances tomorrow and take
maximum points in the race. The big doubt surrounding the
weekend is the weather, with forecasts predicting rain before
the weekend is out.
JORGE LORENZO, 1st (2.03.238)
“I went back to work in quite respectful mood because
normally it takes me a while to find my form after a break
from racing. We still have the most difficult part of the
weekend ahead, but I feel in top form. We are still around
a second of the times from last year, but we must be happy
because we are first and, looking at the times, the others
have a lot of work to do. I had one or two problems with the
breaks and we must work to improve that as this circuit is
very hard on the suspension. I am hopeful that the weather
won’t bother us, if it’s going to rain let’s
just hope it’s after the race on Sunday.”
HECTOR BARBERÁ, 3rd (2.04. 653)
“I am happy with third place, but not with the distance
to pole position. I believe we are on the right track, but
we still have a lot to do if we want to think about winning.
I had some problems with the set-up which prevented me from
feeling comfortable, including the rear tyre and the front
end. Problems like that really affect you at a circuit like
this. I believe tomorrow we can go faster and also prepare
for a race which could be affected by rain.”
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