STEFAN BRADL SECOND OPEN BIKE IN LE MANS QUALIFYING
During day two of practices at the French Grand Prix, weather conditions played its role in order to prepare for this afternoon’s qualifying practice. As soon the lights went out for FP4 as very last opportunity before heading into QP, it started some drizzling raining in Le Mans. However, for Q1 the track was dried out completely. Finally Bradl will start tomorrow’s fifth race of the season from row six after he set the second fastest lap time in the Open category with just three tenth of a second off Nicky Hayden’s pace, who qualified as fastest Open bike today.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Athinà Forward Racing, Yamaha Forward), Startplatz 16 – 1´34.575 (8/9):
“I went into FP4 with the idea to try some different things but intermittent rain destroyed all our plans. However, it was good to ride on a wet track in order to get a feeling for conditions like this. Nevertheless, for Q1 the track dried out completely so we had to start from scratch with the super soft rear option. Unfortunate I wasn’t able to take benefit from the new tyres as well from the conditions because we’re losing time in acceleration due to lack of rear grip. For one reason I struggle with this is also my riding style which doesn’t suit to this option. However, for tomorrow’s race we must chose the harder option. I think that for the race is something on the table for us because I’m not far away for the point, but also to win the Open category should be possible.”
Qualifying Classification:
1 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´32.246
2 Andrea DOVIZIOSO / ITA / Ducati Team / Ducati / 1´32.749 +0.503
3 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´34.846 +0.600
16 Stefan BRADL / GER / Athiná Forward Racing / Yamaha Forward / 1´34.575 +2.329 (Q1)