Team Alstare Suzuki rider Xavi Simeon struggled with grip problems in Valencia today and was only able to post the ninth fastest time in final qualifying. Xavi was frustrated because he couldn’t get anywhere close to the lap times he did at the tests in March. Brendan Roberts (Ducati) took pole position, with a lap of 1:37.114, with Davide Giugliano (Suzuki) second and Michelle Pirro (Yamaha) third.
Xavi - 9th, 1:38.176It’s a bit frustrating at the moment because I just cannot do the lap times I did here in March. Grip was not a problem then, but it is now and we’re scratching our heads trying to find a solution. It seems strange, but I’m actually doing better on an old tyre, then fresh rubber.
Just like yesterday, I didn’t have a good feeling with the bike. I looked at the lap times of the top guys and I noticed that their fastest laps were one-offs and the rest were so-so. But my lap times are consistent, so maybe the race will be a very different affair. As usual, I will be trying my hardest and we will see what happens.
Circuit: 4.005 kms
Conditions: Dry, sunny 16-21C
Final Qualifying:1 Roberts (Aus-Ducati) 1:37.114
2 Giugliano (I-Suzuki) 1:37.425
3 Pirro (I-Yamaha) 1:37.502
4 Corti (I-Yamaha) 1:37.513
5 Berger (F-Honda) 1:37.678
6 Polita (I-Ducati) 1:37.897
9 Xavi Simeon (B-Alstare Suzuki) 1:38.176
