Marco Simoncelli grabs first pole seat of his MotoGP career at Catalunya – MotoGP news
San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli earned his first pole position of his MotoGP career for the Gran Premi Aperol de Catalunya set to take place on Sunday, June 5, 2011.
Simoncelli recorded his best lap time of 1:42.413 seconds hitting a top speed of 321km/h. The Italian was 0.016 seconds faster than the Repsol Honda rider, Casey Stoner.
Simoncelli said, “I’m very satisfied and happy. I didn’t expect it because Stoner was faster than me in the other sessions and today we had some problems in the first part of qualifying, but after we chose the right tyre for me I could push like I wanted
and got this time. I’m really happy and for sure tomorrow will be difficult in the race, but I will do my best to push for the podium or even victory.”
Despite the good pace of Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo, the Italian is hopeful of winning the upcoming grand prix.
Simoncelli was able to answer to the Catalan crowd for their shouts. He proved his fast pace on the track and scored his maiden pole position.
Stoner was unhappy for not getting the pole position after leading the three free practice sessions. He is the only rider who has won two races in the ongoing season so far, one in Qatar and the second one in France. The Australian rider has qualified for
second place for the Catalan GP with a best lap time of 1:42.429 seconds.
Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo was fast enough to score a third place on the starting grid. Local hero Lorenzo was able to clock 1:42.728 seconds for his best lap time of the day.
The Spaniard’s teammate, Ben Spies has qualified one position behind at fourth place for the starting grid. Spies gave his fastest time of 1:42.742 seconds for the qualifying session.
The fifth seat of the starting grid was occupied by Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso, who also scored the second position at the Le Mans round. It was his first podium of the 2011 season. The top five riders on the time sheet stood in the 1:42-second
time barrier.
Cal Crutchlow, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Alvaro Bautista and Hector Barbera completed the top ten slots for the Sunday’s race. Colin Edwards will not race in Catalunya due to a fractured collarbone he sustained during the second practice session.
Tags: