The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team rider has once again been among the contenders for pole position and will start tomorrow’s race from fourth on the grid
Máximo Quiles is ready to fight for victory once again. The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team rider will start the Austrian Grand Prix from the second row of the grid, in fourth place. The Murcia-born rider was just one tenth off the top three in a session in which Brian Uriarte took pole position. The rookie pipped David Almansa by 64 thousandths, having set his time within the allotted time limit. Almansa will therefore start from second, whilst Álvaro Carpe will take third. Marco Morelli, on the other hand, struggled to find his rhythm on the bike and will have to fight his way up the field tomorrow after failing to progress beyond Q1 in Austria.
After this morning’s free practice took place in wet conditions – a completely different scenario to that of the timed practice and the race – Máximo Quiles only took to the track during the fifteen minutes of Q2. Confident in the work carried out on Friday alongside the team, the category leader focused on setting a good time under his own steam and once again secured a top position in the standings. The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team rider came very close to matching his best time of the weekend and, in the final moments, it looked as though third place was assured. With the session time up, he was overtaken by two of his rivals, who took advantage of Quiles’ slipstream to improve their times, and he dropped to fourth place. This result is still a positive one, keeping him in contention for victory at the Red Bull Ring. Marco Morelli continues to struggle to feel comfortable in Austria. The Argentine did, however, complete a few laps in the morning practice session to gain further experience ahead of the afternoon’s Q1. Morelli tried to finish in the top four right up to the end, but failed to make the cut and will have to fight his way back from twenty-third position tomorrow to score as many points as possible.
4th Máximo Quiles 1:39.981: “I’m happy with today’s position, it’s been a very positive session. The feeling wasn’t the best because I had a few scares, but even so I managed to set a good time. We need to keep working to improve the bike a little, but starting from the second row isn’t a problem. In Moto3, we all know that starting within the top six is enough to fight for the lead. We’re trying out a few things and need to analyse what works and what doesn’t; but we’re happy and we’re on the right track. This morning we missed a session and didn’t do the race simulation, so everyone is less prepared than normal for the race. All of us riders who’ve done a good job on Friday will be reaping the benefits tomorrow, so I hope everything goes well.”
23rd Marco Morelli 1:41.620: “It’s been a very difficult day. I’m struggling to adapt and couldn’t make it into Q2. This afternoon, I’ll keep working with the team to analyze the data and try to find something that helps me make up as many positions as possible tomorrow.”
