EASTON STORMS TO POLE POSITION
Friday, 20 November 2009
EASTON STORMS TO POLE POSITION
In a sensational qualifying session Stuart Easton has put the Hydrex IGT Honda on pole position for tomorrow’s 43rd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The twenty six year old Scot’s best qualifying lap was 2m 25.476s which is a new lap record for the Guia circuit and was almost one second faster than his nearest rival, Connor Cummins.
John McGuinness also had a good session, qualifying the Hydrex IGT Honda on the second row of the grid in P7.
Stuart Easton, “It started as a difficult session because of the cold track and also the overnight road traffic on the circuit had reduced grip levels from yesterday’s sessions. However, as the session progressed I realised the bike set up was ideal for the race and I was able to lap faster and faster. Obviously I’m really pleased to be on pole and to have set a new lap record. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race!”
John McGuinness, “Unlike Stuart, I’ve not been racing this bike all season and it’s a challenge to get on an unfamiliar bike and be immediately competitive. Also, the weather at Macau is much cooler than in previous years and the colder track is definitely affecting grip. Having said this, my lap times improved throughout the session and I’m pleased to be on the second row. I feel confident for tomorrow’s race and know I can run with the best of them.”
Pete Jennings, Stuart Easton’s Crew Chief, “Stuart has done a mega job, as we have come to expect this season. Today we tested a different race tyre and resolved some minor technical issues meaning we are now fully ready for tomorrow’s race”.
Shaun Muir, Team Owner, “Stuart, John and the team have done a fantastic job this morning. It has been difficult to get the best set up given the cold track conditions this morning but both riders have worked really hard and the results speak for themselves. We’re on pole position with the #1 plate, the team have really delivered.”
Top 10 Qualifiers:
P1 EASTON GBR Hydrex IGT Honda 2:25.476
P2 CUMMINS IOM PBM Kawasaki WSBK Team 2:26.313
P3 RUTTER GBR Team of Paris - AXA Racing 2:27.112
P4 HUTCHINSON GBR PBM Kawasaki WSBK Team 2:27.473
P5 BARNES USA PBM Kawasaki WSBK Team 2:27.821
P6 PENZKOFER GER BMW Macau Racing Team 2:27.954
P7 McGUINNESS GBR Hydrex IGT Honda 2:28.059
P8 HINTERREITER AUT Yamaha Austria Racing Team 2:28.236
P9 JOHNSON GBR A.I.M. Racing 2:28.430
P10 THOMPSON GBR Robinson Concrete Honda 2:29.272
43rd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix 15.00 on Saturday 21 November
All times local (GMT+8)
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