125cc 17 GP Comunidad Valenciana QP

05/11/2011

GP de la Comunidad Valenciana – 05/11/11 – Ricardo Tormo – 125cc Qualifying Practice

NICO TEROL TO LAUNCH TITLE ASSAULT FROM NINTH PLACE

Héctor Faubel makes late charge to second row in sixth

After completing a dry session this morning the 125cc riders were forced to contend with light drizzle, wind and temperatures as low as 14ºC this afternoon, making for difficult conditions in the final qualifying session of the season. The last ever 125cc pole position went to British rider Danny Webb, who made a surprise late charge to deny the three favourites Faubel, Terol and Zarco, who had dominated the session, after taking the gamble of running slick tyres for the final few laps.

Héctor Faubel gradually built his speed after a problematic weekend so far and put together a run of four fast laps at the end of the session that looked to have sealed him pole before a dramatic finale. However, he looks in good shape to challenge for victory tomorrow, as does his team-mate Nico Terol, who has a date with destiny. The Spaniard is aiming to become the last ever 125cc World Champion and after setting some quick times in the wet this morning he took respite in the garage for the uncertainty of the middle part of the session before returning to clock the ninth fastest time. The third BANKIA Aspar rider Adrián Martín was also highly competitive in the wet conditions and is hoping to put up a good showing in his home race tomorrow regardless of the weather.

6^th Héctor Faubel 1.48.288 (20 laps): “A few riders took a gamble by fitting slicks at the end and it worked out for them. We pushed hard in the final part of the session and set some fast laps but it was a shame we couldn't hang on to pole. Anyway, I am relaxed because I have a good feeling with the bike in both wet and dry conditions and we are ready for anything in the race. We start from the second row but I want to push for the front from the start. My objective is to win the race, which I think is the best way I can help Nico. If the weather stays like this it could be a lottery but we are prepared to take some risks if necessary.”

9^th Nico Terol 1.48.920 (19 laps): “The track was really tricky this afternoon, starting out wet but then slowly drying out. My feeling was much better than yesterday in the wet but perhaps I wasn't decisive enough towards the end. Having said that ninth position is not too bad and I am close to Zarco on the grid. My race pace is good so I am feeling pretty calm about tomorrow. We just have to stay concentrated in every corner, whatever the conditions. I will try to get a good start and stay consistent.”

11^th Adrián Martín 1.49.456 (19 laps): “Up until the last five laps I was feeling good in the wet and even though the rain was still falling the track was actually drying out. I wanted to come in and change to slicks but we ran out of time, otherwise I think I could have challenged for pole. I am really happy though because we have a good pace in the wet and worked well in the dry this morning. It has been a positive weekend so far and even though it may sound far fetched I think we can fight for the podium tomorrow in the right conditions. We have nothing to lose so hopefully the track is in good shape and we can give it everything.”