Red Bull KTM endures tough challenge in Spanish GP qualifying

Michelle Liew

July 5, 2019

The Spanish Grand Prix was challenging for Red Bull KTM and Tech3 but the riders managed to come through with good results.

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

The Spanish Grand Prix has started throughout the weekend with splendid performances in the qualifying session. The teams have touched down Europe and headed to the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto to continue their run in the FIM World Championship. Red Bull KTM managed to finish their run in the qualifying session with average results. Johann Zarco capped his run at 17th place whereas Pol Espargaro finished in 18th. Zarco encountered two falls in the practice session on Friday but bounced back to improve his performance on Saturday. Espargaro managed to set a lap which is almost a full second faster than his run in 2018. The Spaniard, however, was six-tenths of a second away in Q1 from making it to Q2. As for Red Bull KTM Tech3, Miguel Oliveira ended his run in 22nd pace whereas Malaysia’s Hafizh Syahrin came in 23rd.

Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

“We were fast this morning and only 0.4 from the fastest but we were 12th and that meant we couldn’t go directly to Q2. In qualifying, we had problems with grip and it was a bit of a lottery with what tyre to use. We were trying to work out what was going on because we can turn and accelerate better but then we suffered and could not improve. We have to accept where we are and although it will be a hard comeback tomorrow we will do all we can to be as far forward as possible,” says Espargaro as quoted from Red Bull KTM Racing. Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

“It was my best qualification performance of the season so far, so this is a positive thing. We are a bit less than a second from Fabio and benefitted from something new this weekend. I was able to smile a bit more in the box this afternoon with the improvement we made. The track is difficult because everybody is so close but we have positive thoughts on what we have done. The new chassis gives me a bit better balance and with more possibilities on the bike; when I feel this way the lap-time comes because I can play more.” Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech3)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

“It was a tricky day although we were able to be a lot faster than yesterday. In Qualifying, we couldn’t match the best lap time from FP3, which was a bit disappointing. At the moment we struggle to find the best feeling on the bike and to go fast, so it was not the best of the weekends so far but we still have the race tomorrow.” Hafizh Syahrin (Red Bull KTM Tech3)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

“I didn’t have a good feeling with the bike today. We tried to find a decent setup but in the end, it has been a bit disappointing for everybody. To be honest, I was a bit confused as we tried many different things and in the end, it was difficult to break the 1’40s mark.