This is a Jonas Folger has every reason to be satisfied with his Catalan Grand Prix. Eighth and best Yamaha at the end of qualifying, he firmly asserted himself as overall leader at the end of the warm-up. During the first part of the race, the German was with the leaders and held on to fourth position. But there was the second half which spoiled the party a little…
Because even if there is nothing to be ashamed of with an overall result which made the Tech3 team the life insurance of Yamaha, there was a touch of disappointment among Jonas Folger : “ I thought I had this top 5 in my pocket because towards the end of the race, I was two seconds ahead of my pursuers ". But so much Lorenzo that his teammate zarco didn’t hear it that way… Especially since the tires on the German’s Yamaha were starting to weaken: “ The rear tire has deteriorated, especially on the right side. By the thirteenth or fifteenth lap he was giving me a bad impression. I tried to correct with different electronic settings, but I ended up getting a little lost ».
« Johann managed the tires better than me. When he caught up with me, we fought and I could only brake later than him to respond. He always caught me when accelerating. I could have tried something in the last chicane, but it was risky for both of us and would not have been a good way to end the weekend. The only negative point was that Johann beat me ».
Because for the rest, the sun shone. And for the next Grands Prix, it could continue: “ From Friday we found our way for the settings and then we changed my driving position. I'm much less forward, I'm more comfortable, I get less tired. It’s a big step forward which also allowed me this result. ».
The official Yamahas finished eighth with Red and tenth with Casa Particular in Viñales, with the same tire fitment. Next stop, Assen in two weeks. In the meantime, the two Tech3 drivers lead the independent ranking ahead of Crutchlow.
#CatalanGP: MotoGP Ranking
