SASAKI TAKES NINTH PLACE AT HOME GRAND PRIX

2018-10-22 16:26
PETRONAS Sprinta Racing rider Ayumu Sasaki battled his way back into the points today, crossing the line in a solid 9th place, with teammate Adam Norrodin in 19th.

Starting the day in top form, Sasaki concluded morning warm up at the top of the time sheets.
Beginning the twenty-lap race from thirteenth place on the grid, the Japanese rider immediately launched his assault on the leading group. Despite struggling with his feeling at the front of the bike, Sasaki relentlessly pushed to remain with the leaders, until the chequered flag.

Teammate Adam Norrodin experienced another tough weekend, following a crash in Free Practice One. Subsequently the young Malaysian struggled to regain his confidence on board the #7 Honda machine thereafter. Qualifying in twenty-third place, Norrodin battled to gain positions, whilst posting his fastest time of the weekend.

Johan Stigefelt - Team Manager

“Overall it’s been quite a good weekend for Ayumu, despite the very big crash he had in qualifying yesterday. He made quite a good start in the race but then started to struggle a bit; he had some issue with the front of the bike and didn’t have a good feeling – he couldn’t really overtake because he felt as though he would loose the front. I think he did very well staying on the bike and bringing home these points – he needed to finish the race, it was important. Of course we were all hoping for a little more here but sometimes it’s like this. Thanks to Ayumu for all his hard work.
For Adam its been very hard; he had a big crash in FP1 and then he couldn’t really get his confidence back, so he struggled quite a bit this weekend. It’s a shame because its normally one of his best tracks. Now he has to compose himself and come back fighting in Australia.”

#7 ADAM NORRODIN - P19

“This weekend has been really difficult for me. I had a big crash in Free Practice One and from there, I struggled to regain my confidence and find my rhythm. In qualifying we used a Soft tyre, but still I couldn’t make a good enough time. In the race I improved my lap time but it wasn’t enough to stay with the riders in front. I really tried to gain places but it was a really hard race for me. Now I have to work out what I can do to be better in Philip Island. I think I need to use the next few days to reset and refocus.”
#71 AYUMU SASAKI - P9

“I started this morning with a really good feeling, which I hadn’t expected after the crash yesterday, because I had quite a lot of pain in my body. I finished the session first, so my confidence came back for the race. The start was OK and I followed the front group, but from the first moment I had a problem with the front of the bike and it was closing in all the corners. After so much bad luck over the last five races, I really wanted to finish the race. Of course, my aim was to take the podium at my home race, but it was too hard for me to pass people this time. We had the pace to follow, so I’m disappointed that I couldn’t do more today, but this is racing. I am pleased that we could finish ninth. I have to thank my team for all their hard work after my crash in qualifying yesterday, they worked until late at night and gave me great set-up for the day. We are so much stronger now and I know that our time will come.”

Source: SIC Racing Team

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