The morning’s free practice session proved to be crucial for the GRT Yamaha duo, as both managed to improve their lap times and feeling with the Yamaha R1 thanks to the adjustments made overnight. In the following Superpole session, their performance was similar to the one seen in FP3, with Gerloff promoted to fourth following penalties ahead, while Nozane was 16th.
Despite a good start to Race 1, Gerloff lost several positions in the battle of the first few corners. Now no longer in touch with the leading group, the American switched into attack mode and did what we have often seen him do, passing several riders on his way to fourth at the finish.
For Nozane, he fought with many experienced opponents, including BMW’s Tom Sykes and Honda’s Leon Haslam, eventually crossing the line in 15th. This single point scored in the race is more valuable than it might seem at first sight, as the Japanese had to slow down during the final laps due to technical problems after showing a solid pace in the earlier stages.
For Race 1 results, click here.
