27.02.10 | Second row start for James Toseland in Superpole
British riders Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland demonstrated the big steps forward in bike set up on the 2010 R1 today, challenging through all three Superpole sessions to take first and second row starts respectively. Both riders had used their qualifier tyres by the end of the second session, using race rubber for their final heat. In an amazing turn of speed Crutchlow put in an incredible 131.642 to secure third whilst team-mate Toseland put his head down to secure eighth a row behind.
The qualifying session earlier in the day saw again more improvement from the Yamaha team. Without any of the chatter problems from the test to be seen the increased power on the new bike was evident. Crutchlow ended the second qualifying heat in third, just over two tenths of pole whilst Toseland defied the pain in his hand from yesterdays highside to secure fifth, again less than three tenths off pole. These impressive performances by both riders gave an overall qualifying position of fourth for Crutchlow and sixth for Toseland prior to Superpole.
Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (3rd, 1.31.642)
This morning wasnt too bad for me, Im pleased enough with the race pace. I think were struggling for the podium but thats what Im aiming for as always. If we can be somewhere near Ill be happy! We managed to get a good lap out at the end of Superpole and I was pleased with that. Going into the weekend we werent even in the points, Yamaha has done a really good job this week and weve worked some stuff out. Hopefully we can keep the cooler conditions as theyll help us tomorrow. Lets see what we can do.
James Toseland, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (8th, 132.019)
I was annoyed with myself for the highside yesterday, we had some issues with the electronics which caught me out so today was damage limitation for that. The balance and the bike itself has improved a lot over the weekend but the electronics now need to catch up a bit. I hurt my hand in the fall which is quite painful, especially as this is a really physical circuit and you need your strength to get round it. I made a mistake on my first tyre in Superpole this afternoon which forced me to use the qualifier in the first session, so I had to use a race tyre for the last session. I knew if I could get into the last eight then Id be happy with the second row. Weve got quite a lot more to do with the bike, but to see where we were before the weekend and to now be Cal on the first row and me on the second just shows you what a good job the team has done. Theyve put us in a position where we can have a go.
Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team Manager
We have made a really good improvement over the last few days. In the beginning we were struggling but weve found a way to solve everything. Slowly weve been improving the performance with both bikes. To achieve the first two rows for the first race of the season with new riders, especially Cal coming from Supersport, is a great result. Tomorrow well have to see the weather forecast and decide which tyres we want to use for the race. We are satisfied for today!
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