The Grand Prix of Qatar will probably be the toughest of the year because of the intense heat at the circuit. The MotoGP riders had to put up with ambient temperatures of 41ºC in today’s first qualifying session, with 55ºC on the track. Despite that the Telefónica MoviStar Honda MotoGP made a very positive start to the weekend, with both riders qualifying on the provisional front row. Colin Edwards, fastest in the morning free practice, finished in second place in the afternoon, three tenths of a second off the provisional pole time set by Rubén Xaus, whilst Sete Gibernau was third.
SETE GIBERNAU
(3rd, 2’01”882): “It’s a new track for everybody, we don’t have any previous data, but I am very satisfied with this result on the first day. I think we are back on the right lines with a base setting which allows us to work calmly and Michelin is helping us a lot from that point of view. Tomorrow we will keep working to refine the set-up of the bike but I’m already very hopeful about Saturday.”
COLIN EDWARDS
(2nd, 2’01”617): “I knew that the fact we were riding at a completely new circuit would be beneficial to me becuase I am used to having to learn circuits in a short space of time. This morning we tried out different tyres and set-up combinations and I felt good. The circuit is quite slippery but it improved a little in the afternoon. I think we’re working well and I’m sure we can knock a good second off the time”.
FAUSTO GRESINI
(Team manager): “This is a new track for all of us and this will be a demanding Grand Prix because of the conditions. The first day of qualifying was very positive for both riders, who are both on the front row, and tomorrow we can continue improving.”
LAP TIMES
- Rubén Xaus (Esp/Ducati) 2’01”309
- Colin Edwards (USA/Honda) + 0”308
- Sete Gibernau (Esp/Honda) + 0”573
- Carlos Checa (Esp/Yamaha) + 1”435
- Max Biaggi (Ita/Honda) + 1”745
- Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) + 1”965