HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider Carlos Checa concluded a strong opening day at the 6th round of the World Superbike Championship at the Miller Motorsports Park and claimed a provisional front row start.
Checa was the first rider to dip under the 1’50 minute mark and topped the sheets for a while before concluding the session with a third best time of 1'49.732.
Both Sofuoglu and Kiyonari spent most of the 45 minute long session finding the right set up for their bikes, but struggled to improve their lap times and finished the first qualifying session in 17th and 23rd position respectively.
Carlos Checa, 1'49.732, 3rd; “The track is ok and the tyres are working well. We just did the normal things we test when we arrive on a new track for the first time.”
“I understand the grip level of the tyre and which ones work better, set up the balance for the bike. There are some difficult parts in the track - we’ll have to concentrate on those areas to set a good result in tomorrow’s qualifying.”
“Everything looks positive considering this is our first outing on the track. We have been consistent and I am satisfied with the results set today. Hopefully we can make one step in front tomorrow and improve the results.”
Ryuichi Kiyonari, 1'51.637, 23rd;“It took me some time today to adapt to the bike again as I have been testing the HRC bike last week.”
“I have tried several different tyres today and made my choice for the tyre I will be using tomorrow. We pretty much have been using the same setting we have used throughout the last races.”
“I still need to improve my corner entry speed and I still make some mistakes on the corner combinations. Specially the ones with the double apex. I will have to watch some more races on this track on DVD tonight to better understand the track.”
Kenan Sofuoglu, 1'51.229, 17th;“I cant say I am happy with the results I set today. We’ve tried a completely different set up for the bike here and I made my choice for the bike we will be developing further in tomorrow’s qualifying.”
”At the moment I am fighting to qualify for the Superpole tomorrow. I am not happy to say this, but at the moment that is my goal. I need to get some experience in the Superpole qualifying.”
Results Qualfiying Practise 1:1 T. BAYLISS 1'49.394
2 T. CORSER 1'49.636
3 C. CHECA 1'49.732 4 J. SMRZ 1'49.758
