Lorenzo hoping to push for podium after front row start

This afternoon’s qualifying session for tomorrow’s Grand Prix of Spain at Jerez witnessed improved performances from both Yamaha Factory Racing riders following a challenging start to the weekend. Jorge Lorenzo had put his best time of the weekend in during the morning’s free practice with a 1’39.682, then worked hard with his crew to find even more grip and feel in his M1 for the afternoon qualifying. The Mallorcan led the qualifying heat from the start, only dropping to third in the last few minutes and ending the session less than two tenths of a second from pole; one of only three riders to break into the 1’38s. He will start tomorrow’s race on the front row of the grid in third.

Jorge Lorenzo – 3rd
“I pushed the maximum from the first lap and improved my lap time from this morning. We were one of the few to improve with the tougher conditions when the track was worse. When we put the soft tyres in we managed to make a 1’38.9 lap which is a good time and we were only some milliseconds from Dani and less than two tenths from Casey. We are confident for tomorrow and we are pushing for a podium, if the opportunity arises then we will go for a victory.”

Wilco Zeelenberg – Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager
“I’m very pleased with the qualifying; the bike improved a lot from yesterday and has a lot more feeling. Corner entry and turnability have also improved and within a safety margin so Jorge can be faster and more consistent now. Third on the grid is good, he missed a T4 split by 0.3 seconds so he might even have been on pole. We’ll go for points tomorrow and are happy we’ve made a step forward today.”

Massimo Meregalli – Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director
“A good qualifying today, both riders had more confidence with better set ups which showed in their performances. The front row is a great way to start the race for Jorge. The weather forecast for tomorrow is quite critical, I would prefer a dry race but if it’s going to be wet then so be it.”

Source: Yamaha Racing