Alvaro Bautista will start the French Grand Prix from the third row of the grid after qualifying in a creditable seventh position this afternoon despite a heavy crash this morning. The Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini rider was still in pain when qualifyi ng practice got underway but he gritted his teeth to produce a fast lap and secure a good starting position for tomorrow's race. Bryan Staring also did a good job, improving his pace and setting some consistent lap times at another new circuit for him.
Alvaro Bautista (7th 1’ 33” 984 )
“Today was a difficult day, especially this morning because we tried some things with the set-up to resolve the issues we had yesterday but they didn't work. We made some progress with the electronics and then went back a step with the set-up but at the end of the morning session I had a crash on cold tyres that was quite heavy. Thankfully I wasn't really hurt apart from a blow to my chest, which was painful this afternoon. I couldn't ride at 100% for qualifying but I felt more confident with the front so I am looking forward to riding it tomorrow. We have another thing to try in the warm-up with the electronics and then we will see what the weather does for the race. ”
Bryan Staring (21st 1’ 36” 714)
“I am halfway happy because I feel I could have done better but we have still closed the gap to the guys in front of us. Our race pace is important and it makes me confident for the race. Obviously our biggest problem is that the tracks are always new to me and it has taken me some time to learn the right line around here. Taking everything into account I think we can have a good race tomorrow.”
Fausto Gresini
“After the crash this morning Alvaro did well to improve his pace so much, but it wasn't enough to secure the second row start that he would have been capable of if fully fit. Unfortunately it was a painful one but he was strong and I think he can have a good race tomorrow if the conditions stay dry. Obviously it all depends on the weather because if it rains then anything could happen. Bryan had a good session, closing down the gap to the guys in front of him and setting some consistent times. I think this consistency can lead to a good performance tomorrow as he continues to discover the secrets of another new track to him.”
Go&Fun Honda Gresini Press Release
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