Xavier Simeon was disappointed after his practice potential failed to translate into a good grid position at the Catalunya Moto2 Grand Prix.
The Belgian youngster ended free practice in 21st position and was closing in on a place in the top half of the field in qualifying but could only manage 31st, and a place on the eleventh row of the grid.
The Tech 3 rider couldn't hide his frustration after failing to produce a clean lap in qualifying, adding that he and the Mistral 610 were capable of more.
“I am frustrated and disappointed. Once again I could not get a fast lap together. I wanted to try to follow another rider to ride in his slipstream, but there was nobody I could follow. I don’t really know what my problem is. I am confident, I know my potential. The bike is so much better as it was before and we found a great set up. I am happy with the bike and my team, but still I struggle to get this one qualifying lap together.”
Simeon is hoping that his practice form will shine through on race day as he goes in search of his first points of the season.
“In practice I am always around 15th to 17th position during the session, but in qualifying I drop so much back that again tomorrow I will have to try all I can to get the strongest possible start and ride a hard race to find my way to the points.”
Teammates Bradley Smith and Mike Di Meglio had differing fortunes in their sessions with Smith qualifying sixth despite a crash while Di Meglio had a disappointing day and starts one place ahead of Simeon. Championship leader Stefan Bradl took a fifth consecutive pole position ahead of Aleix Espargaro and Yuki Takahashi.
