It was once again under mild weather and an idyllic setting that Loris Baz and the Avintia Racing team started the day on Saturday on the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic.
The third free practice session, however, proved more difficult for the Haut-Savoyard. Victim of a heavy fall at turn 5, he escaped unscathed, but very bruised with pain in his hip and neck. However, he was unable to improve on his best time from the day before to secure a place in Q2.
After working on his pace for the race in FP4, the Frenchman finished with the 7th time in Q1. While rain could disrupt the race on Sunday, he will start from 17th place and he plans to score valuable points in the standings.
“This morning, I lost the front by going slightly off my usual trajectory. There isn't much clearance there and I ended up in the airfences. This fall upset me for the rest of the day. I have a lot less pain this evening, but the fall was violent. My neck, hip and foot hurt, and I had to regain my confidence to finish the day properly.
In FP4 it was a lot warmer and when it's hotter in Brno the grip on the track is less good. We made adjustments to the rear and I managed to ride well on worn tires. In Q1, I lost time during my first run. I then waited for the right moment at the end of the session, but it didn't go as I wanted. I was still very bruised, but I am confident for the race.
Whether it rains or not tomorrow, I think finishing between 10th and 12th is more than possible. We will see tomorrow depending on the conditions. »
