Bautista secures second row in Valencia

Álvaro Bautista has put in a very strong performance in the difficult conditions that arose today during qualifying for this afternoon’s Valencian Grand Prix. The rider from Talavera secured the 5th fastest time.

Bautista had to contend with highly variable conditions throughout the one-hour qualifying session, which brought everything. Strong winds, low temperatures and spells of rain and sunshine. Even so, he was one of the riders who spent the most time on track.

He managed to complete 30 laps of the Valencian circuit and finished in the middle of the second row of the grid, which gives him a chance to put in a good showing, depending on the weather conditions that arise during tomorrow’s race.

Statements from Álvaro Bautista:

It’s been another good day for us, despite the difficult conditions. In the morning I felt good in the dry, because although it was cold, the bike’s response was good. Qualifying was very tough, because it rained before we started and in some sections the asphalt was still damp. But I pushed from the very beginning, even though it was raining in some spots; when you see drops on your visor, it goes against nature to push even harder. In the end I put together good laps and good pace despite everything, and I secured fifth on the grid.

I’m quite happy because this track doesn’t particularly suit our Suzuki, and we want to race regardless of the conditions. Yesterday in the wet we were strong, and if it’s dry I think we can hold on in the fight for the podium. We’ll see what happens, but whatever the case, we’ll give our maximum, because I want to finish the season with a good result, and I believe it’s possible.

Source and photos | Rizla Suzuki