Moto2 Le Mans: Qualifying Results & Quotes

Moto2 Qualifying

Kenny Noyes (Jack & Jones by A.Banderas, PromoHarris) topped a typically frantic Moto2 qualifying session which made history as the closest in Grand Prix history; the fastest 27 riders covered by a mere 0.969 seconds.

GP rookie Noyes, who battled for the win at Jerez two weeks ago, had to work hard for his pole. The American went fastest midway through the hour-long outing, but was then shuttled down the order until he came back in fine style during the last few minutes.

He ended the session just 0.031 ahead of Yuki Takahashi (Tech 3 Racing, Tech 3), who was in turn 0.055 seconds ahead of Alex Debon (Aeroport de Castello-Ajo, FTR).

Last man on the front row was home favourite and Qatar podium finisher Jules Cluzel (Forward Racing, Suter).

Jerez winner Toni Elias (Gresini Racing Moto2, Moriwaki) had a difficult afternoon, losing his rhythm when he fell at the final turn.

The Spaniard was able to continue riding, but only had the pace to make it onto row two. Qatar winner and points leader Shoya Tomizawa (Technomag-CIP, Suter) had an even tougher time, qualifying 15th, albeit only half a second off pole.

Continued fine weather is forecast for tomorrow’s racing. If all three races are run in the dry it will be the first time in four years that rain hasn’t affected the race day action at Le Mans.

MOTO2 RIDER QUOTES

Kenny Noyes (Jack & Jones by A.Banderas, PromoHarris) says: "It’s been an unbelievable start to the season, and preseason went well too. We had a good race at Jerez, but this weekend we’re at a track we didn’t know, so we knew it was going to be difficult and we certainly didn’t expect this. Yesterday I was down in 28th, but the team worked hard and gave me what I needed. Everything is so tight in Moto2 – it’s easy to be on pole or tenth."

Yuki Takahashi (Tech 3 Racing, Tech 3 )says: "I’m very happy. This Grand Prix is my team’s home race, so I want to make a good race for them. We all work very hard with our new bike and everyone in the team works so well together. Tomorrow I will try my best."

Alex Debon (Aeroport de Castello-Ajo, FTR) says: "So far we are having a good weekend. We have had a few problems but the team has worked well and we were able to qualify on the front row. Tomorrow we need to get a good start and then think about fighting for the victory."

Jules Cluzel (Forward Racing, Suter)says: "We struggled here last year, so I am very happy with this weekend so far. I am fast and consistent, so I hope that a win is possible for all the French fans. I thought we might get pole, but we didn’t quite. Anyway, the important thing in Moto2 is to qualify at the front and we made that. The start and first corners will be very tough."

Pole position : 1m39.234s (151.822Km/h) Kenny Noyes, 2010
Circuit Best Lap : 1m39.234s (151.822Km/h) Kenny Noyes, 2010