MotoGP GP of Argentina – Termas de Río Hondo
In qualifying for the Grand Prix of Argentina, Reale Avintia Racing team rider Tito Rabat achieved his best position since his debut in MotoGP. After going straight to Q2 with a blistering fourth fastest lap in free practice on Friday, the former Moto2 World Champion repeated his fourth place when it counted for the starting grid. He will now start from the second row of the grid alongside fellow Spaniards Álex Rins and Marc Márquez.
The track conditions today were tricky, with many damp patches and low grip, so neither the wet or the dry Michelin tyres were an ideal choice. Nevertheless, Rabat was fast both in dry and in mixed conditions and feels he is ready to race whatever the weather conditions will be.
Today was also a great day for Xavier Simeon. The Reale Avintia rider was the best ‘rookie’ in qualifying in conditions that were especially difficult for a rider with not much experience in MotoGP. Simeon will now start from 17th place of the grid ahead of the other rookies in the premier class. He hopes to be able to hold them at bay in the race and take his first ever points in the MotoGP championship.
“We were close to finish on the front row, but even fourth place is much more than I expected. I’m very happy with the Ducati, with the team and right now things couldn’t be better. We had two great days here and I almost can’t believe what we achieved. But the race is on Sunday, we must keep our feet on the ground and stay focused in order to do as well as today and yesterday. Tonight I have to relax and think about the race. It’s good that we went fast in dry and also in wet conditions, so we are ready for whatever the weather will bring.”
“It has been a strange day, but in the end it has been positive. We were able to make this step forward that we were hoping to do since I started riding this bike. The feelings today on the bike have been very good, but we didn’t manage to go to Q2. Nevertheless I’m very happy with my feeling in wet conditions. Tomorrow I’ll try to enjoy riding the same way I have done during this weekend so far, regardless of the weather conditions.”
