Sete Gibernau is prepared to go for his third victory of the season at the Rio Grand Prix, which kicks off with the MotoGP race at 11.30 local time on Sunday. With 28ºC ambient temperatures and 37ºC on the track, the Spanish rider focused on an endurance test for the race, which promises to be a tough affair given the high temperatures and bumpy track surface. Sete starts in Rio from the front of the second row thanks to his time from yesterday (1’48”618), but is confident of fighting for victory after setting a consistently quick pace. Colin Edwards knocked half a second off his time from yesterday and starts from eleventh on the grid.
SETE GIBERNAU
(4th, 1’48”618): “If you look at the race times we have done they are really good and at the end, when we were putting the qualifying tyre on, the rear clip came off and I wasn’t able to put a fast lap in. If it wasn’t for that I’m sure I could have improved my time but I’m not worried by it. If I have to choose between pole and race rhtyhm, I’ll definitely take the rhythm. I am really happy with the work we have done ahead of this race.”
COLIN EDWARDS
(11th, 1’49”648): “The circuit is poor, but it’s the same for everybody. I’ve got problems turning the bike, as usual. We have worked to improve the setting but were unable to find a good compromise. My rhythm was better yesterday but we have made some changes to try and improve the bike which didn’t have the results we hoped for. I’m a bit confused really.”
FAUSTO GRESINI
(Team manager): “We have prepared for this race really well. Sete has a good rhythm and it was a shame that he couldn’t put together a lap to go for pole. But I am not worried about that at all because he has a very high rhythm and there are very few riders who have that. Colin is still having a few problems and he isn’t able to make the most of the qualification tyre. His race rhythm isn’t great but hopefully we can improve things in the warm-up tomorrow.”
QUALIFYING TIMES
- Kenny Roberts (USA/Suzuki) 1’48”418
- Max Biaggi (Ita/Honda) + 0”154
- Nicky Hayden (USA/Honda) + 0”162
- Sete Gibernau (Spa/Honda) + 0”411
…
11. Colin Edwards (USA/Honda) + 1”230