EASTON STORMS TO POLE POSITION: 43rd MACAU MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX

20-11-2009

MACAU sar - CHINA
20 November 2009 10.20 (GMT+8)

EASTON STORMS TO POLE POSITION

In a sensational qualifying session Stuart Easton has put the Hydrex IGT Honda on pole position for tomorrow’s 43rd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The twenty six year old Scot’s best qualifying lap was 2m 25.476s which is a new lap record for the Guia circuit and was almost one second faster than his nearest rival, Connor Cummins.

John McGuinness also had a good session, qualifying the Hydrex IGT Honda on the second row of the grid in P7.

Stuart Easton, “It started as a difficult session because of the cold track and also the overnight road traffic on the circuit had reduced grip levels from yesterday’s sessions. However, as the session progressed I realised the bike set up was ideal for the race and I was able to lap faster and faster. Obviously I’m really pleased to be on pole and to have set a new lap record. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race!”

John McGuinness, “Unlike Stuart, I’ve not been racing this bike all season and it’s a challenge to get on an unfamiliar bike and be immediately competitive. Also, the weather at Macau is much cooler than in previous years and the colder track is definitely affecting grip. Having said this, my lap times improved throughout the session and I’m pleased to be on the second row. I feel confident for tomorrow’s race and know I can run with the best of them.”

Pete Jennings, Stuart Easton’s Crew Chief, “Stuart has done a mega job, as we have come to expect this season. Today we tested a different race tyre and resolved some minor technical issues meaning we are now fully ready for tomorrow’s race”.

Shaun Muir, Team Owner, “Stuart, John and the team have done a fantastic job this morning. It has been difficult to get the best set up given the cold track conditions this morning but both riders have worked really hard and the results speak for themselves. We’re on pole position with the #1 plate, the team have really delivered.”

43rd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix 15.00 on Saturday 21 November
All times local (GMT+8)