Pepe Oriola hoping to pass Morbidelli at the start

A very good lap allowed Pepe Oriola to conquer a front row start for tomorrow’s race, next to pole sitter Gianni Morbidelli. The Craft-Bamboo Lukoil was worried about the pace of the Hondas, but after Qualifying it is clear that the top drivers are very close.

“In the first Free Practice session I was worried about the Honda’s pace,” admitted the Spaniard. “Normally they (Honda) start slowly and then improve during the weekend but, being quick from the word go, I was concerned as to where they could get to. We managed to improve the car and I am quite happy now.”

Oriola is concerned about the temperatures, and therefore relies on the start to try to overtake Morbidelli as soon as possible: “We have problems with the temperatures, as it affects the performances of our engines. I hope to manage to have a good start, and I know that with the launch control I can do it, and hopefully have some clean air ahead of me.”

When asked if he is willing to risk to try and overtake Morbidelli during the race, Oriola was very clear: “We have to save the car for Race 2,” said the Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver. “Stefano (Comini) will start from the front row in the second heat, so there is no point in not finishing in Race 1 to go for a win, I would lose many points. On the other hand, if I have the chance to overtake I will try to, because there is a huge difference between second and first in terms of points. Like I said, though, the priority is to get the car to the finish line in one piece.”

Oriola gained four points, reducing the gap to Comini to seven ahead of tomorrow’s races.