GP Japan: LOWSIDER DESTROYS HOPES FOR Q2
Stefan Bradl was on the best way to repeat his strong qualifying performance from Aragon to qualify for all-important Q2 session this afternoon.
Day two of practice at the Grand Prix of Japan took place under glorious autumn weather again. Teams and riders found perfect conditions in order to fine tune the bike’s setting for Sunday’s race in Motegi. In addition, it was also a welcome opportunity to prepare for qualifying which is to decide the starting grid. German’s MotoGP rider Stefan Bradl was able to confirm his growing performance by setting twelfth fastest lap time during FP3. But on the other hand he failed to qualify straight for Q2 by less than 0.2 seconds. This session decides starting positions for the first four rows finally. However, this circumstance didn’t affect his confidence and he went determined into Q1 to tackle this obstacle during this final chance. But a harmless low-sider in the very last minute of the session robbed all hopes. So Bradl is set to start from 13th spot on the gird.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aprilia), Grid position 13th – 1´45.823 (3/6):
“It’s a pity, because everything looks very promising today. I was on a fast lap but unfortunately I made a small mistake in corner entry at turn 11l. We definitely had the potential to go through Q2. We have a consistent package but we paid a high price for a very small mistake. I was obviously very angry at the end of qualifying but I need to be realistic and look forward to the race. We’re very well prepared. I think we have a good chance to bring home a good result. That is the most important thing after the excellent work we have done so far this weekend.”
MotoGP™ Qualifying Classification:
1 #46 Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´43.954
2 #93 Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / Honda / 1´44.134 +0.180
3 #99 Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Movistar Yamaha MotoGP / Yamaha / 1´44.221 +0.267
13 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Aprilia Racing Team Gresini / Aprilia / 1´45.823 (Q1)