Both Yamaha World Supersport riders showed they have the pace to be at the front in Assen two weeks ago, and are determined to show more of the breathtaking speed at Monza this weekend. The classic Italian circuit is well suited to the Yamaha YZF-R6 with its dominating turn of speed. French rider Foret won here on his last outing so will be looking to prove to his team-mate that he’s not the only one who can win races. Although he’s never ridden at Monza Crutchlow has proved to be undaunted by new circuits so is expected to get on the pace quickly and adapt to the circuit with no problems.
Crutchlow comes to Monza having extended his World Supersport Championship lead in Assen to six points over second placed Laverty whilst Foret sits in seventh position on 28 points, one ahead of Lascorz.
“It was really disappointing not to have won at Assen,” commented Crutchlow. “I’m really hoping to make amends at Monza. I’ve never been to the circuit before but have watched it on TV for years and have always wanted to come here. I’m confident we can pick up some track experience during the first session on Friday and set ourselves up to do a good job over the weekend. I’m taking it as it comes and looking to finish the weekend on the podium again as that will be a benefit for us.”
“Assen was great for me,” said Foret. “I really got my confidence back and enjoyed fighting at the front for the points, I was just disappointed not to finish on the podium. I’m really looking forward to Monza, I had a fantastic race there last year and love riding on the circuit. I’m hoping for lots of sunshine and a podium finish on Sunday!”
Wilco Zeelenberg, Yamaha World Supersport Team Manager:
“Leaving Assen with a 2nd and a 4th, 6 points ahead in the championship was great. Both Fabien and Cal rode very well and we clearly saw our bike was quick. Fabien won last year in Monza, it’s a track he likes and it suits him so he should perform well there. Whilst Cal has never raced or ridden on the circuit before, Monza is not too difficult to learn so I think he should do well. I believe we have the bike that everyone wants for the Monza circuit. It’s the combination of top speed, especially in 5th and 6th gear, combined with the fact our engine is one of the strongest in paddock. There are obviously other considerations to winning a race but a strong engine means you can lead the race and make up a lot of ground at Monza because you spend approximately 50% of the track at full throttle, compared to others where its maybe 25% or so. From Qatar we’ve had a really good base set-up so the bike doesn’t change much between circuits now, this means the guys get used to it quicker and can focus on the track conditions at the weekend.”
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