Yamaha are confident that they’ll be more competitive than on their previous visits to Aragon after a successful recent test at the Spanish circuit. Jorge Lorenzo took the team’s first and only podium here last year, a full 14 seconds behind the winner, but the championship leader doesn’t expect to struggle as much this weekend.
“Aragon has not been the strongest track for us in the last two years, but I think we have found something in recent testing which will help us to be more competitive here. We will try to make a good show for all the Spanish fans who come to see us and we will try to win.”
After three consecutive retirements, teammate Ben Spies was relieved to complete a race without incident at Misano, even if the reward was only fifth, and enters this weekend with renewed confidence.
“We had a really good test here a few weeks ago so I’m hoping the conditions are similar. We’ve got a really good base set up for the track so we should be able to get onto the pace quickly on Friday morning. It was great to have a weekend in Misano with no issues, I’m hoping it will be like this for the rest of the year so we can concentrate on just giving 100% on the track.”
Yamaha’s position was strengthened at Misano with the retirement of Dani Pedrosa but team manager Wilco Zeelenberg is still looking to extend the 38 point lead Lorenzo currently enjoys.
“Aragon has not been our best track previously however we should be more competitive this year. We’ve got a good set up and a fast pace from the test recently so we’re confident Jorge can be up there from the start. With just five races to go it’s important we try to keep and grow as much of our Championship lead as possible, we need to be on the podium and win if possible!”
