Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini rider Alvaro Bautista more than met his objective at Laguna Seca today, clocking the third fastest time to qualify on the front row of the grid for tomorrow's USGP.
Alvaro had done his homework in free practice, setting a strong race pace on used tyres and finding plenty of confidence with his RC213V machine before stepping up the pace in the warmer conditions this afternoon.
Qualifying has been an achilles heel for Bautista since the start of the season but now the Spaniard can look forward to making a strong challenge at the front from the start of tomorrow's race. Bryan Staring found confidence with his CRT bike today but is still getting used to the unique demands of the Laguna Seca layout.
Alvaro Bautista (3rd 1’21.373)
“We did some more work this morning on our race pace and I felt really confident on the bike. This afternoon we finally got the front row position that we have missed out on in recent races. Qualifying has been our weak point but I was on the pace from the start today and everything felt good. It means we have the opportunity to make a good start tomorrow and not lose time trying to pass riders over the early laps. I am happy, confident and thankful to the team for all the work they are putting in. Hopefully we can have a lot of tun tomorrow.”
Bryan Staring (22nd 1’24.756)
“I am quite happy with our performance although we're still lacking a little something if we want to run with the guys ahead of us. We have made some steps forward but we need to improve further in the race tomorrow. I feel confident with the bike but need to get more comfortable with the track. It's not an easy task because Laguna Seca is a difficult track to learn but we'll try our best.”
Go&Fun Honda Gresini Press Release
