Carlos Checa set the third fastest time in this afternoon’s opening World Superbike qualifying session at Magny-Cours in France, as rain interrupted the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team’s preparation for Sunday’s two 13th round races.
Noriyuki Haga took provisional pole position as Checa’s team-mates, Kenan Sofuoglu and Martin Bauer, who is replacing the injured Ryuichi Kiyonari, finished in 14th and 17th places respectively.
The forecast for Saturday’s second qualifying session and Superpole to determine final grid positions is set to be dry.
Carlos Checa – P3, 1m41.130sWe needed to test some different tyre options today, but there really wasn’t enough time. The conditions are very different to the test we had here last week, but it was still important to set a good time today. It will allow us to work a little more calmly tomorrow, when we still have a lot to do. I’m very pleased we tested here because I knew the track and had some reference points, but tomorrow will hopefully be drier.
Kenan Sofuoglu – P14, 1m42.683s
Although I missed the test last week because of the crash at Vallelunga, I was happy that today I felt physically good for riding again. The doctors have done a great job with my back. I was just sorry for the rain this morning and this afternoon because it didn’t give us a chance to try anything. Hopefully, tomorrow will be dry and we can make some more progress.
Martin Bauer – P17, 1m42.848sYou could say that the only thing I’ve learned so far is that the weather conditions here in France are pretty bad! But actually, I’m really happy with the progress we have been able to make, in spite of the weather. I’m trying to get used to the bike and adapting my riding style, so I guess I’m pretty happy that I’m only 1.8s off Haga’s time today. There’s lots to do tomorrow but lots of places for me to go faster, too.
Results – World Superbike, Magny-Cours, first qualifying:1. N Haga JPN (Yamaha) 1m41.012s
2. T Bayliss AUS (Ducati) 1m41.020s
3 C Checa ESP (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m41.130s14 K Sofuoglu TUR (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m42.683s15 M Bauer AUT (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m42.848s
