Drastically variable weather conditions at the Grand Prix of Malaysia limited Team San Carlo Honda Gresini’s options during qualifying practice at Sepang today, with Shinya Nakano set to start from the fifth row of the grid in fifteenth place and Alex De Angelis another two spots further back.
The Japanese and San Marino riders were unable to make the most of the crucial final few minutes of the session, with the track continually drying after an earlier shower. Both riders came in for a final tyre change but were unable to get back on track in time to complete a flying lap before the chequered flag was wave.
Shinya Nakano (15th - 2’04’’001):
“It is a shame we haven’t managed a higher grid position because I’ve been consistently fast here all weekend. Unfortunately I missed my final chance on a qualifying tyre because I was too late out onto the track to make the most of it. In any case I am confident for the race because my pace is so good. All I have to do is repeat that level of performance and I’ll be able to have a good race.”
Alex De Angelis (17th - 2’04’’679):
“Qualifying was really difficult today because the track conditions were constantly changing: at the start it was still very wet after the heavy shower and then it started to dry out, but it was never consistent. Unfortunately we only got one lap in on a qualifying tyre – we went out late on the second one and the flag was waved before I got the flying lap in. We were unlucky because the track was visibly much drier so I’m sure I could have finished in the top ten. The forecast for tomorrow is mixed too so there could be a few surprises in the race – hopefully positive ones for us!”
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