There was no let-up in the weather for the MotoGP class today as the miserable northern European summer continued to shed its tears over Sachsenring. Heavy afternoon rain refused to subside until the final moments of qualifying practice, making for an unusual session that saw the riders spend the first half an hour working on their wet setting before taking a short break and then launching a furious battle for grid positions that was only decided on the final lap. Crutchlow, Pedrosa, Spies and Stoner all took their turn at the top of the time sheets as the chequered flag was prepared, the Australian timing his run to perfection to secure pole position.
The Power Electronics Aspar Team will head for their beds in optimistic mood tonight after a positive display from both riders in the torrential conditions. Aleix Espargaró will line up as the top CRT after qualifying in a season-best tenth place thanks to a pair of sensational late laps that saw him outpace no fewer than three factory MotoGP prototypes. Randy De Puniet also set a furious pace throughout the session and the Frenchman was only denied the opportunity to fight with his team-mate for top CRT honours by a gearbox problem in the final moments. Randy was 14th fastest but will start from 13th, with Alvaro Bautista to be relegated to the back of the grid according to a penalty incurred at the last race.
10th Aleix Espargaró 1.33.900 (24 laps): “I am really happy because even though I don't really like riding in the wet we have managed an excellent result today. We have had to get used to rain conditions this season and today we were able to use that experience, which is probably even more pleasing than being the top CRT. We found a good setting for the electronics and I was able to push really hard over the last two laps. The bike had a lot of grip in the uphill sections and was hardly losing any power so that was a big help. Obviously I would prefer a dry race tomorrow but it is good to know that we are prepared for the rain too. We are well placed on the grid with only a two-second gap to pole so we're ready to fight for a good result.”
14th Randy De Puniet 1.34.651 (23 laps): “I had a really good feeling throughout the session and spent most of it around tenth place. After 35 minutes we took a break and waiting until the closing stages to mount another attack and after changing to fresh tyres my feeling and lap times improved to the end, which was the most positive thing about the session. I had a problem with the gearbox in the final minutes though and that cost us valuable time and the opportunity to set one last flying lap, which is a shame because I think we still had around a second in us. Anyway I am happy because our potential is high in any conditions.”
Aspar Power Electronics Press Release
You can give your opinion on our Facebook page here
Get the latest update on our Twitter page here
