Joan Flies Solo to take a Front Row Start

2010-06-27 10:49
With team-mate Katsuaki Fujiwara ruled out of the Misano race after suffering from appendicitis Joan Lascorz ended up as the lone official Kawasaki rider at Misano, then qualifying fourth on the grid.

Joan had experienced ex-racer Pere Riba acting as his crew chief this weekend and their combination worked well in practice, with Joan making progress all the way. He improved from sixth place on day one to be fourth fastest on the grid after final qualifying today.

A front row start at this frequently tight and tricky circuit was an important aim before qualifying started and Joan managed to find a place in the front rank of riders, despite the hot competition at the front of this always competitive class.

Katsuaki is recuperating from his recent severe bout of appendicitis at home but is focused on trying to make a recovery in time to race at Brno next time out, on July 11.

Fabien Foret (Lorenzini by Leoni Kawasaki) was tenth on the grid at his team's second 'home' race of the season.

Joan Lascorz: “I had a little problem with tyre choices in the first laps but we found improvements with the bike settings all through qualifying. Our race pace should be OK for the full race distance, but it is difficult to know exactly how the track will be tomorrow, so we will try another new setting in warm-up to see if it is even better. I have Pere as my crew chief and it has been very good; we are working well. The track seems more bumpy and slippery than last year, but maybe not in ever corner. Anyway, I will be going out for the win, just like every time we race.”

Source: Kawasaki Racing Team

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