Xavi Vierge 23rd, Isaac Viñales 25th on Texas grid

Tech3 Racing Team rider Xavi Vierge will contend his first Moto2 race in America from the middle of the 8th row after battling the demanding Texan track in qualifying today. The 18-year-old jumped into action when the FP3 session commenced as he continued to learn the circuit as well as adjust his Mistral 610 for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

When the afternoon shootout began, Vierge lunged forwards and quickly built up his pace as the clock ticked down. He sped to his best time on his 15 lap out of 16, with the result being only 0.795 back from the third row in the highly competitive session. The Spaniard now has his sights fully set on following up his maiden point scoring finish in Argentina last week with another strong result tomorrow.

On the other side of the pit box, Isaac Viñales will kick off his inaugural Moto2 appearance at the Circuit of The Americas from two places behind his teammate on the grid. The Spaniard dug deep and pushed throughout the day whilst working closely with the Tech3 Racing Team as he continued gaining experience aboard the Mistral 610.

When the ultra-competitive qualifying dash began, he took to the track and gathered speed before posting a personal best on his 11th lap that was 1.568 quicker than his fastest time from the morning. Tomorrow, he will seek to undertake a strong start and then duel all the way to the finish line whilst fighting for a debut point scoring result.

Xavi Vierge
“Overall, I am pleased with what we accomplished, because yesterday we struggled a bit but in FP3 and qualifying, we made some good steps forward and found a solid setting. My feeling with the bike is really good, yet in all honesty, I am a bit disappointed that all of our work saw us end up in 23rd and I feel that the team and I deserve more than this. However, this is the situation and the Moto2 field is so competitive. Having said that, I am focused for tomorrow and I believe in the Mistral 610 and my ability, so it will be a big day but I’m ready to do my best and I will try my hardest to score a point scoring finish again.”

Isaac Viñales
“It was slightly tricky today and we weren’t able to improve the setting of the Mistral from yesterday and solve few issues. However, the Tech3 team did a great job and we all tried really hard. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that we can have a good race and I am determined to have a solid start and then try to score my first Moto2 points. It will be a long, challenging battle but I will do my absolute best and I’m ready for the fight.

Source: Tech3