Mixed Emotions for AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing in Jerez Qualifying

2014-05-03 16:40
The sun once again blazed down on the Spanish circuit as the Moto2 field headed out for Qualifying.

Continuing to impress substitute rider Ratthapark Wilairot improved his time again in FP3 moving into the 1m43s and finishing his first qualifying session with the AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing Team in 17th place.

Johann Zarco worked hard to improve his time around the Circuit of Jerez and despite being unable to further his P10 position, the Frenchman was one of only a few able to better his time in the final moments of Qualifying in increasingly difficult conditions.

#5 Johann Zarco:

“Tenth position is not great but for sure the main thing is the race tomorrow. Almost every session I was further back than I have been this year but I was not worried because I’m riding well and I thought it would be possible to further improve the setting today. We made some adjustments step by step but the lap time was not coming so it looks like something is still missing. The technical side are working hard to find the solution.”

“I’m disappointed with my position today but I don’t have to spend too much energy on the bike and I feel comfortable which is very positive. I would like to stay with the top group tomorrow and I think with a good start I can do it.”

#14 Ratthapark Wilairot:

“We are seventeenth position and I am very happy because this is the first time for everything with me and the team. We are ready for tomorrow because we have a good set-up on the bike and I feel very confident with the braking.

“Today was very hot, more than yesterday and our plan worked well as I pushed from the beginning because as the temperatures continue to increase it’s so difficult to make a lap time. I tried also in the last minutes to better my time but was unable to.

“Tomorrow my aim is to get a good start and finish the race in the points.”

Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager:

“For Johann this weekend hasn’t gone quite as we had hoped for but we are working hard to improve things and the race pace is actually not that bad. It’s just been a bit frustrating for him as we were not able to get his qualifying time but we are quite confident and will continue working on this tomorrow morning in warm up.

“It’s very tough conditions here with the heat but it’s the same for everyone of course. We believe we have a good race set up and we will do our best for the race.

“It’s been incredible to see how well Ratthapark Wilairot has approached this opportunity. He’s very calm and great to work with and I’m very happy with his performance. To finish P17 in his first qualifying after being absent from Moto2 for over one year is very good in this field and also to do his best lap time ever here in Jerez. He’s confident with the bike so we will see tomorrow; hopefully he can get a good start and stay within the top fifteen.”

Source: Caterham Moto Racing Team

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