A frustrated Randy De Puniet will start from tenth position, after seeing third on the time sheet just a few laps from the end of the qualifying session. The Frenchman posted a 1’49.826 using a hard compound tire, but wasn’t able to improve on that time after switching to a softer tire.
Loris Capirossi continues to gain confidence at the Motorland circuit, having improved his best time in the first free practice by more than three seconds .The MotoGP veteran will start the race on Sunday from the sixth row.
Marco Rigamonti - Randy De Puniet Track Engineer:
“It’s a pity, because we did a good time with the hard tire. Randy made a few mistakes with the soft tire and then told us he could have cut off at least three tenths. We could have started from the third or even the second row! Anyway, the important thing is to start well tomorrow, in the race. The race pace is good, as is the rider’s feeling with the bike.”
Randy De Puniet:
“It’s a shame how things went, but that’s how it goes. I gave my all both this morning and this afternoon. I’m tenth, just a few tenths from the sixth and seventh positions. I wasn’t able to do a lap like I needed with the soft tire - my best time was set with the hard compound. I would have liked to start from the third row, but anyway, my starting spot isn’t so terrible. I’m convinced that I can have a good race.”
Loris Capirossi:
“What a nice track, and even if the results suggest otherwise, I was able to improve my time quite a bit. Having one less session hurt us a little more than the other riders, who already knew the track. I’m sure that tomorrow I’ll manage to further lower my time, and since we’re all very close, anything can happen. For being here for the first time, it didn’t go so badly.”
Pramac Racing Team press release
