Positive Start to the Indian GP for Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp

22-09-2023

Positive Start to the Indian GP for Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp

Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp‘s Manuel Gonzalez and Kohta Nozane have completed their first kilometres at the Buddh International Circuit during today‘s Moto2 P1 and P2 session. They ended the day in 6th and 24th place respectively in the combined timesheets.

Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp‘s Manuel Gonzalez and Kohta Nozane had a good first experience at the Buddh International Circuit today. They used the two extended Friday Moto2 Practice sessions to get to know the circuit and get up to speed. They ended the day in 6th and 24th place respectively in the combined timesheets.

Gonzalez was true to form in Practice 1. Known as a rider who can quickly adapt to, for him, new circuits, he was quick to enter the top 3 early on in the session. He continued work on his bike‘s set-up and tried to find a good rhythm. He saved the best for last. He set a 1‘53.796s on lap 23/23, which earned him seventh place.

The Spaniard made steps in the afternoon session, but still found himself outside the top 14 in the final ten minutes. He knew he had to give it an extra push to secure a provisional spot in Q2. As the times dropped, Manugasss responded. He clocked a 1‘52.609s on lap 20/20 to take sixth place in the P2 and combined classifications.

Nozane went into the first Friday session with high motivation. Though fully aware that it would be a challenge to ride in the heat and humidity, he still completed 20 laps in total. As he struggled to find grip, his best effort, a 1‘55.895s, saw him finish P1 in 30th place.

The Japanese rider continued with his riding plan in the afternoon and, as he got more and more laps in, his pace quickened. He improved by more than 2s compared to the morning session. His 1‘53.771s lap, posted on lap 19/20 gained him several positions, seeing him in 24th place in the P2 and combined standings.

The Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp duo will be back in action tomorrow. P3 will be held from 09:55 - 10:25 local track time (GMT +5:30) and the qualifying sessions will take place from 14:15 - 14:55.

Manuel Gonzalez

Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp

"It was a positive first day at this new track for us. I adapted very fast to the layout, and I enjoyed it – it‘s challenging. The team and I worked well to understand the important points and how to set up the bike. At the end, I felt fast with the soft rear tyre, but I was not able to do many laps, and I think I could have improved my lap time more, but I‘m happy."

Kohta Nozane

Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp

"I spent the slippery and really hot P1 learning this track. It‘s not easy: in some points it‘s like Sepang, in others it‘s like Qatar. It‘s pretty much a hybrid. I changed the final ratio for P2, and I had a good feeling with my bike. I‘ll keep working tomorrow in order to improve my pace."

Gelete Nieto

Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp, Sports Director

"Being at a new track means more work for a team: nobody has data or landmarks, so a good working method is needed in order to find the right set-up for the bike and the final gearing as soon as possible. That‘s what our team did today, and I‘m satisfied with their work.

"Manu‘s lap time was good, even if he said he couldn‘t make a completely perfect lap. But it‘s ok, we will continue our work, and I‘m sure he can improve more tomorrow.

"Kohta also made a good step today, closing the gap with some strong riders and improving a lot between P1 and P2. He made some changes between the two Practices, finding a good solution. His feeling is good, and he likes the track."