MotoGP news
Difficult qualifying run for Honda Gresini riders
09 March 2008 / Results / PhotosAlex de Angelis made his MotoGP qualifying debut on Saturday with the twelfth fastest time, a result that doesn't reflect his race potential after a crash on his final qualifying tyre ruined his chances of improving at the end of the session. However, in the final free practice the San Marino rider had worked hard to improve his race set-up and he found a good feeling that allowed him to challenge at the top of the time sheets, in touch with the pacesetters of the class.
Shinya Nakano continued to work hard during both of today's sessions to improve his own race pace but he also struggled to make a significant step forward on qualifying rubber.
Alex de Angelis commented on his qualifying result: "I'm a little disappointed to be twelfth on the grid because as we have seen my race pace is very different and I managed fourth in the last free practice. Obviously that is a bit of a shame so we need to work hard with Bridgestone on the qualifiers, gather some data and work together to achieve better starting positions in the future. Tomorrow I'll do my best and I'm sure the result will be much better than today."
Shinya Nakano said: "I'm not happy with today because qualifying is so important and I couldn't improve my pace as I'd wanted. Both myself and the team have done our best but the chance has gone and now we have to think about the race. We'll have to get a good start and I'll do my best to achieve the best result in this first GP of the 2008 Season."
The first few laps of tomorrow's race will be crucial for the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini pair, who will have to make up several positions if they are to maximise their true potential in race trim.
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