Roberto Rolfo is hopeful of getting Team Pedercini into the Superpole session for the first time this year, despite finishing first qualifying at the bottom of the timesheets.
The Italian outfit have missed out on the Saturday afternoon shootout on both occasions so far this season and brought up the rear on Friday, with Rolfo 20th and Mark Aitchison 21st.
And Rolfo admitted he was struggling to find the sweet spot on the Kawasaki ZX-10R, but the team were in a stronger position than they were two weeks ago.
“I'm less than happy with today's results but, on the other hand, I'm satisfied with the improvements we have made during both free practice and the qualifying session. I worked very hard with my team to improve my bike's set up. My bike is working better now with respect to the last two races in Donington, but at this track it is very difficult for us to find the right setting.”
Australian teammate Aitchison was also positive as he continued to adjust in his first season in World Superbikes.
“Today with my team we have focused on making only small changes with our bike and trying to understand the effects of each change. At the moment with very little testing and practice time for me, this is the best way to work. This afternoon I have found a good direction and felt relatively comfortable on the bike. We tested some different tyre options and small setting changes with the front fork, so I'm confident we are ready to make improvements during tomorrow's second qualifying run. I feel relaxed and I'm looking forward to riding tomorrow.”
Despite their practice form, Rolfo maintains that the team are capable of breaking into the top sixteen and is ready for the challenge awaiting him on Saturday.
“Today we did not use the soft tyre and in the final minutes of the qualifying session I found a good rhythm with used tyres. Tomorrow I want to continue to work with my technicians and do my best to enter the Superpole.”
