HANNspree Ten Kate Honda’s Carlos Checa was the leading Honda man today in a Ducati dominated second day of qualifying in Assen. Carlos Checa ended the second qualifying practice in a best time of 1’39.37 and managed to further improve his pace in the afternoon session. He set his fastest lap of the day at 1’38.86 which sees him starting on the 2nd row in 6th position for tomorrow’s race.
Ryuichi Kiyonari, the lead Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider in the morning’s qualifying practice, endured a crash in the free practice session. With only three more laps on his second bike before the time ran out, Kiyonari came into the Superpole unprepared and did not manage to improve his fastest lap of the day. He will start tomorrow’s race on the 4th row.
Ronald ten Kate, Team Manager; “Despite the issues we have had during qualifying earlier, we have actually concluded the day in a positive way. The afternoon session went really well with Checa back on pace and back in the top of the field.”
“I am pleasantly surprised to see Sofuoglu pushing his bike forward in the second free practice. It looks like he is getting into the swing if things.”
”It was very unlucky for Kiyonari to see him crash in the free practice session. He was well on his way to improve his lap times but didn’t succeed to set a fast Superpole lap.”
“Checa still had some issues with the bike’s electronics system but the team has worked hard to try and solve it and seem to have succeeded.”
“Anyway, we have done as much as we can do going into the race, we’ll just have to see what tomorrow brings but I am confident we can bring our riders further forward and fight for the top honours.”
Carlos Checa, 1'38.864;“Finally this afternoon we have been able to work well with the bike without experiencing too many issues with the bike’s electronics.”
”We have been able to set a good pace and ride a satisfying race distance which boosts my confidence for tomorrow’s race. Off course qualifying 6th and starting from the second row is not were I would like to be, but we have made the improvement from a best lap time of 1’39.37 to a lap’s best of 1’38.86 and that is a good improvement considering the struggle we have gone through.”
”We are not too far away from the front runners now compared to the previous sessions. If we can keep up the improvement and the weather stays dry, I am sure we can enjoy some exciting races.”
Ryuichi Kiyonari, 1'40.000;“I had a better session this morning then yesterday, still not fast enough but more consistent. In the afternoon session I have been pushing a little too much and lost the front of the bike.”
“I only managed to ride three more laps after my crash and didn’t get to test a qualifier for the Superpole so my lap wasn’t satisfactory at all.”
”We managed to find the right set-up for the machine and I’m starting to understand the circuit better which should help me in the race. I’ve also tried my starts a couple of times in the practice session. Its still a weak point but I’m improving.”
“The top group will be fast tomorrow, but If I have a good start and improve my pace in each lap I am confident I can ride a good race.”
Kenan Sofuoglu;“I am finally getting faster which is a good feeling after the disappointing sessions I had yesterday.”
”My race distance was good today and I have been consistent in my pace. If I can make a good start tomorrow then I can follow the fast group. But it will be hard to make passes in the race tomorrow on this fast circuit.”
”I’m still entering the corners with a Supersport riding style and am slowly learning to ride smoother. I will try my best in tomorrow’s race and hope I can continue the progress I’ve started today.”
Results Superpole: 1, T. BAYLISS 1'38.428
2, N. HAGA 1'38.546
3, R. XAUS 1'38.587
4, T. CORSER 1'38.761
5, M.NEUKIRCHNER 1'38.840
6, C. CHECA 1'38.864
7, Y. KAGAYAMA 1'39.029
8, J. SMRZ 1'39.058
9, F. NIETO 1'39.189
10, M.TAMADA 1'39.307
13, R. KIYONARI 1'40.000
