Honda HRC Castrol were back in the points on Saturday as Joan Mir cut through the field to go from 15th to ninth as Luca Marini recovered from early drama.
An electric atmosphere met the MotoGP World Championship as teams and riders prepared for Free Practice 2 and later Qualifying, the grandstands and hills around the 4.19 kilometre Le Man Circuit swamped with fervent spectators from early in the day. Overnight analysis left Joan Mir and Luca Marini with plenty to try as Saturday’s track action began.
Q1 produced one of the tightest sessions in MotoGP history, a measly 0.106s splitting the top six riders, Joan Mir missing out on the top two by less than 0.050s – similar to Marini’s margin to the top ten the previous day. Starting from 15th on the grid, the #36 set off with a string of high 1’31 laps before dropping into the mid 1’31s for the majority of the race. The consistency saw him take ninth at the end of the 13 lap Sprint, promoted into the points by a late faller just ahead. A positive step forward and another race finish in the bag, Mir and the Honda HRC Castrol squad have a few ideas to find more speed before Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Sixth in Q1, Luca Marini fell afoul of the narrowest of margins once again and would start in 16th just behind his teammate. Ready for redemption, the Italian primed himself to make up ground as the lights went out on the Sprint. The intensity of the Sprint made for a fiery start as the riders around Marini all jostled for position. Losing out a little early, the #10 was only able to show his potential later in the race as he moved up and into 12th place. Marini is confident of achieving more in the Sprint having shown better pace throughout his longer runs.
Sunday’s main event, the 27-lap French Grand Prix will no doubt be another exciting affair for all involved. Both Honda HRC Castrol have plenty of ideas on how to improve and once again come through the field to challenge deep into the points.
