Mir and Marini competitive from the start in Spielberg
Red Bull Ring - SpielbergThe Honda HRC Castrol squad picked up where they left off as the season resumed in Austria, Joan Mir in the mix for the top five while less than a tenth stopped Marini from joining him in the top ten.
As quickly as it had begun, the summer break came to a close as the MotoGP World Championship returned to action. There was little time to wait around as the cobwebs were quickly blown away and the field began to jostle for position, the Honda HRC Castrol pair of Joan Mir and Luca Marini consistently featuring at the front.
Seizing the first opportunity of the weekend, Joan Mir immediately thrust himself into contention with sixth place in both of Friday’s sessions. Ending the day with a best lap of 1’28.694, the #36 was already some two seconds faster than his Friday best from the previous year. Top Honda and with a spot in Q2 secured, it was mission accomplished on Friday as his attentions turn to getting closer to the limit in Austria.
Alongside his teammate, the top ten pace was consistent for Luca Marini who narrowly missed out on a direct spot in Q2 by less than a tenth. Content with his overall performance, Marini will face the always challenging Q1session on Saturday but remains confident of being in the mix.
Saturday’s action begins at 10:10 Local Time with Free Practice 2, a final chance for teams and riders to adjust their setup ahead of Q1 and Q2 from 10:50 Local Time. Running across 14 laps, the Austrian GP Sprint is set for lights out at 15:00 Local Time.
We were able to take advantage of some updates to the bike after summer, small things which were able to help us be more consistent. I think we can be in and around this second-row position if everything is going well and today, I have the feeling and the confidence to do it. I felt good in the morning, the afternoon didn’t start in exactly the same way, and we had to modify the bike. With this change we were able to make the lap time we needed, so I have to say thanks to the team for their work. Like always, there is more to do but it’s a good way to restart the season.
We were able to take advantage of some updates to the bike after summer, small things which were able to help us be more consistent. I think we can be in and around this second-row position if everything is going well and today, I have the feeling and the confidence to do it. I felt good in the morning, the afternoon didn’t start in exactly the same way, and we had to modify the bike. With this change we were able to make the lap time we needed, so I have to say thanks to the team for their work. Like always, there is more to do but it’s a good way to restart the season.
The bike has made a step over the break, a first step in a good direction as we have gained a bit on entry to the corner. The update with the electronics helps a bit and you can take for example Turn 5 here with full throttle easier. It’s a shame that I couldn’t make that last lap because our speed had been really good and always Q1 is a tricky session. I feel really good with the medium rear and no matter what, I know we can gain something over the long runs. Like always, we will give it our maximum and I think we can be in the mix there as well.
The bike has made a step over the break, a first step in a good direction as we have gained a bit on entry to the corner. The update with the electronics helps a bit and you can take for example Turn 5 here with full throttle easier. It’s a shame that I couldn’t make that last lap because our speed had been really good and always Q1 is a tricky session. I feel really good with the medium rear and no matter what, I know we can gain something over the long runs. Like always, we will give it our maximum and I think we can be in the mix there as well.
