Jorge Lorenzo to launch title bid from second place
Jorge Lorenzo clocked the second fastest time in qualifying
for the 250cc Grand Prix fo Valencia. The Fortuna Aprilia
was consistently fase thrghout the session and increased his
pace over the final laps, with only KTM rider Hiroshi Aoyama
able to go faster, by around three tenths. Héctor Barberá,
who suffered a mechanical problems in the closing stages of
the session, was forced to settle for sixth place on the grid,
just ahead of Andrea Dovizioso, the only rider who can deny
Lorenzo of the World Championship title. Whatever happens
in tomorrow’s race, the young Spaniard would clinch
the title by finishing fourth or higher.
JORGE LORENZO, 2nd fastest (1.35.450).
“I am proud of the time I set. Tomorrow I want to go
to bed as a World Champion and I don’t care how it happens.
If I ride well I can be in the top four but I can only hope
for luck to be on my side, which is always crucial in this
sport. I’ve been in the top three in every session,
I’m starting from second place and I want to celebrate
on the podium. I’m riding better than I did in Portugal
and I feel more relaxed. Dovizioso is a little behind me on
the grid but he is a very competitive racer and he won’t
make things easy. I’m expecting a tough race but I feel
relaxed and I’m looking forward to it. Héctor
has told me I can count on his help if I need it and I appreciate
that. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by his attitude
towards me this weekend but at the same time I’d like
to achieve my objective without needing help.”
HECTOR BARBERA, 6th fastest (1.35.867).
“I had some engine problems and wasn’t able to
complete the session on qualifying tyres, but it is better
this happened today than tomorrow. I’m annoyed because
I’m sure I could have fought to be on the front row
and maybe even pole position. I really want to finish the
season with a good result so I’m even more disappointed
than usual with the situation. We’ll check with the
mechanics to find out exactly what happened and hopefully
I’ll have a competitive bike tomorrow so that I can
help the team to be World Champion.”
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