Bautista confident despite qualifying ninth at Indianapolis

Alvaro Bautista, Honda Gresini

Photo by: Team Gresini

Team San Carlo Honda Gresini head into tomorrow's Indianapolis Grand Prix with high hopes despite not qualifying as their potential had suggested before this afternoon's qualifying session.

Álvaro Bautista was unable to make the most of his soft tyres and will start from the third row in ninth place as a result, whilst for Michele Pirro it was a similar story and he starts 16th on the CRT after clocking his best lap on the hard option.

Álvaro Bautista

“We worked hard today and took a step forward with the setting from yesterday although it is still not where we ant it. In the afternoon we concentrated on getting some race data on the hard tyres and unfortunately the red flag interrupted us. Anyway, I was happy with our pace. On the soft tyre I actually had less grip and couldn't improve my lap times or grid position but I am confident for the race and with a good start I think I can be fighting for a top result.”

Michele Pirro

“Unfortunately I wasn't able to make the most of the new tyres and so my best lap was on the hard option with ten laps on it. It's a shame but the positive thing is that the race pace is close t o the guys in front of me and if I get a good start we can be with them in the race.”

Source: San Carlo Honda Gresini