In the Tissot Superpole, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team riders both tried to extract the most performance out of their Yamaha R1 machines. After taking a provisional seventh place on the grid, Gerloff went for even more on his final lap, but unfortunately couldn’t improve and found himself 12th. On the other side of the garage, Nozane made steps forward compared to practice on his penultimate flying lap, eventually qualifying 15th.
Race 1 saw Gerloff drop to 17th in a hectic opening lap, with the American settling into a battle just outside the top 10 positions. With six laps to go, the 27-year-old got through on Philipp Oettl’s GoEleven Ducati to take 15th, eventually catching Bonovo Action BMW’s Eugene Laverty three laps later, showing great late pace and setting his personal best on the very last lap.
Instead, Nozane enjoyed a solid getaway off the grid, gaining one position and putting himself in contention for points. The Japanese ace was able to run just behind teammate Gerloff, and the 2020 All-Japan JSB1000 Champion showed consistent pace throughout the tricky 17 corners of Circuit San Juan Villicum, crossing the line in 18th.
Eager to progress even more, the two will be back in action tomorrow with the Superpole Race at 12:00 local time (GMT-3) and Race 2, which will start at 15.00.
