BITTERSWEET QUALIFYING AT JEREZ
Qualifying – #SpanishGP The second day of action at the Spanish circuit has also drawn to a close, with unfortunately both of Gresini Racing Moto2 riders unable to make it into Q2. Zaccone had a promising performance in FP3 with further improved feeling on the bike, while Salač continued to endure a difficult time after a challenging opening day.
Despite the overall result, it was a positive qualifying session for Alessandro Zaccone: he was on a flying lap that was projecting him into Q2 before he encountered some traffic (a slower rider on the way) on his way who did not allow him to capitalise and make it through. He will start tomorrow’s race from the 21st place on the grid – a result that left a bittersweet test in his mouth – but the Italian rider knows he has what it takes for good race.
Filip Salač managed to find some confidence back in qualifying after choosing the harder tyre compound at the front and also managed to improve his lap-time, but that was not enough for him to get access to Q2. The Czech rider #12 will start from row eight: it will be an uphill battle, but he will try to have as much fun on his Kalex machine as he can.
21st – ALESSANDRO ZACCONE #61 (1’42.051)
“I’m happy with the work done: we were able to put some good performances in a row and we have a good pace. Unfortunately, during the last qualifying lap I found Antonelli riding slowly on the last sector and that cost me the lap. It’s a shame, because I could have made it into Q2 as on the third split I was one tenth quicker than my best time so it was our chance to make it happen. We still showed that we have a good pace and that we’re quick. Tyre choice will be key tomorrow, but I’m sure we’ll have fun!”
22nd – FILIP SALAČ #12 (1’42.063)
“We chose to try the third front tyre in qualifying, the one with the harder compound, and the feeling improved a lot. Unfortunately we couldn’t make it into Q2 but I’m happy with my lap-time and the step forward we made, especially as I lost so much time in free practice. It was a difficult weekend but we’ll try to have fun in the race!”
