“I'm expecting a tough race”Jorge Lorenzo clocked the second fastest time in qualifying for the 250cc Grand Prix of Valencia.
The Fortuna Aprilia rider was consistently fastest throughout the session and increased his pace over the final laps, with only KTM rider
Hiroshi Aoyama able to go faster, by around three tenths.
Héctor Barberá, who suffered a mechanical problems in the closing stages of the session, was forced to settle for sixth place on the grid, just ahead of Andrea Dovizioso, the only rider who can deny Lorenzo of the World Championship title.
Whatever happens in tomorrow's race, the young Spaniard would clinch the title by finishing fourth or higher.
JORGE LORENZO, 2nd fastest (1.35.450).
“I am proud of the time I set. Tomorrow I want to go to bed as a World Champion and I don't care how it happens. If I ride well I can be in the top four but I can only hope for luck to be on my side, which is always crucial in this sport. I've been in the top three in every session, I'm starting from second place and I want to celebrate on the podium. I'm riding better than I did in Portugal and I feel more relaxed. Dovizioso is a little behind me on the grid but he is a very competitive racer and he won't make things easy. I'm expecting a tough race but I feel relaxed and I'm looking forward to it. Héctor has told me I can count on his help if I need it and I appreciate that.
I've been pleasantly surprised by his attitude towards me this weekend but at the same time I'd like to achieve my objective without needing help.”
HECTOR BARBERA, 6th fastest (1.35.867).
“I had some engine problems and wasn't able to complete the session on qualifying tyres, but it is better this happened today than tomorrow. I'm annoyed because I'm sure I could have fought to be on the front row and maybe even pole position. I really want to finish the season with a good result so I'm even more disappointed than usual with the situation. We'll check with the mechanics to find out exactly what happened and hopefully I'll have a competitive bike tomorrow so that I can help the team to be World Champion.”
Fortuna Racing
