The British 250cc Grand Prix starting grid was effectively decided during Friday’s qualifying session. Today rain continued to fall on the circuit taking away the possibility for the riders to improve any further. The rules for the 250 class means there are two qualifying sessions and that meant that Yuki Takahashi starts from fifth position on the grid. Today’s weather was used by Yuki to find the best setting for a possible wet race and to adapt his riding style to make a good race rhythm. The morning session confirmed the good form of the JiR Team Scot rider, as he finished in second position. Then, in the afternoon he improved his performance still further but ended up in fifth position. Two days of practice have shown the very positive outlook Yuki has to the race and he is confident whatever the weather: sunshine or rain.
Gianni Berti – Technical Coordinator, JiR Team Scot“During these two days of practice Yuki went well in both dry and wet conditions. Yesterday he took the first position on the second row and if the weather had stayed stable for today, we maybe could have improved still further but with the rain in the morning he was second fastest and on the damp track he confirmed his fifth position. Then, on the last lap, when he was trying to do better he crashed – thankfully without injury – because the grip was not very good. Tomorrow we expect an important day for us and a good result for the World Championship classification.”
Yuki Takahashi – Rider, JiR Team Scot 250GPHONDA RS250RWBest time: 5th - 1’ 32.853”
"I am very satisfied with these two days of practice because I was able to go fast in all conditions. Yesterday, with the sun out we identified some good technical solutions and today I was confident that I could do even better. Unfortunately it rained and I was unable to gain any grid positions. I was so close to the front row! Despite that, today I went well on wet tyres and when the afternoon rain had stopped, with the wet then damp track, I did not have difficulties. Unfortunately on the last lap at the right-hander at Melbourne I lost the rear and slid off. I didn’t hurt myself, but I’m sorry for the team who have to repair the bike. Tomorrow I am ready to do a good race, whatever the weather conditions.”
Yutaka Hirano – Chief Technician, JiR Team Scot“We are ready for tomorrow. On Friday, Yuki found a good set-up and tyres for the race. Even this morning we were able to find the best set-up in the wet and in the afternoon and we did not make any substantial changes. Yuki has a competitive rhythm and tomorrow it could be an interesting race for us. The slip-off on the last lap fortunately has not affected Yuki’s physical condition.”
