Rain and fog caused some unwanted delays during the JuniorGP qualifying day at Estoril, but once the action resumed it did not disappoint.
Everything came down to the second qualifying session, on a wet track which created substantial gaps.
JuniorGP™:
15 minutes in the rain gave rise to an atypical Q2 at Estoril since Cormac Buchanan (AGR Team) took pole by a substantial gap of 0,5s, Casey James O'Gorman (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) obtaining a P2 to get a first start on the front row in the category. The first row will be completed by the championship leader, Jesus Rios (MRE Talent), the rookie being 0,7s from pole position and wanting to leave Estoril still leading the title race.
Facundo Llambias (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) spearheads Row 2 in P4, with the Uruguayan another driver to achieve a personal best result in qualifying. It's the same for Daniel Sharil (Asia Talent Team), fifth. P5 is the Malaysian's best score on Saturday so far, while Marcos Uriarte (CFMOTO Aspar Junior Team) completes the top 6, the Spaniard tying his best qualification.
French side, Guillem Planques (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) will finally start 12th after a penalty imposed on a competitor, although +3.835s from the poleman.
Moto2™:
Mattia Casadei (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro) proved unstoppable in qualifying for the European Moto2™ Championship, with the Italian taking his first pole in the category by a commanding lead of 1,7s. Taigahada (GAS UP Racing Team) was the only driver to come within three seconds (yes, three!) of the number 40, with 1,6 seconds ahead of the third, Edward Montero (PS Racing). This duo lines up on the front row for the first time in the category after an impressive qualification, while championship leader Alberto Surra (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro), after a fall at the start of the session, will have to make their way through the peloton from P17 on the grid.
French side, Lorenzo Fellon (SF Racing) at +6.140s will start 8th, Johan Gimbert (PromoRacing) at +10.717s will do so in 14th position, and Charles Aubrie (JEG Racing) 21st.
ETC :
The 2'03.135 of Carlos Cano (SeventyTwo ARTBOX Racing Team) have nothing to do with the other times. The Spaniard dominated his qualifying group to claim his first pole position.
Valentin Perrone (Frando Racing VHC Team) will start from the middle of the front row in P2 after dominating Group A qualifying. Third place on the grid will be occupied by Vasileios Panteleakis (AC Racing Team), the Greek driver thus obtaining his first start on the front row in ETC.
French side, Evan Boxberger (JEG Take OFF GP) achieved the best time in group A, while group B did not benefit from the same track conditions! Elliot Kassigian (Team Larresport) and Enzo Bellon (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0), returning after his injury, were also in the Top 10.
But ultimately, everything was decided in Q2, and in the wet Evan Boxberger narrowly qualified, while David DaCosta (BRS Brechon Racing School) and Benjamin Caillet (JEG Take OFF GP) are doing the best.
Elliot Kassigian (Team Larresport), Enzo Bellon (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0), Remy Sanjuan (Mecaprojets Team Ado), Henri Mignot (BRS Brechon Racing School) and Randy Truchot (Mecaprojets Team Ado) will try to compete in the “Last chance race” this Sunday.
