The Numerology of the day: "one and seven"
SUPERSPORT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Assen, Netherlands
3rd ROUND, 26-28 April, 2013
Yakhnich Motorsport has done a great qualification in Assen: Sam Lowes took the pole-position and Vladimir Leonov took the 7th position just as a year ago when he had got his first podium.
As it was presumed, the weather during the second day was favorable for riders. The rain finally stopped but the north wind was blowing strongly. The asphalt was dry and it helped strong riders to take their fair positions back.
Recovering from Friday Sam Lowes and Vladimir Leonov started to prepare for the upcoming race with a double enthusiasm. Lowes could get out from 1'39 and finish the session at 0'8 sec behind Jack Kennedy and at 0'9 behind the Reigning Champion Kenan Sofuoglu. Leonov concentrated on finding settings and finishing the FP on the 7th place with the time 1'40.218.
Yakhnich Motorsport's riders came to the final qualification with good positions. It took only several laps for Sam to make everyone understand that today they can compete only for the second place. Lowes was the only one who could get through 1'38 and fix the best lap of the day with 1'38.375. Kenan Sofuoglu and his teammate Fabian Foret were increasing the speed until the very end but couldn't reach the British rider closer than 0.643 and 0.891. The Irish Jack Kennedy demonstrated determination trying to occupy the first position but Fabien Foret diminished him to the second position few minutes before the flag.
Vladimir Leonov saved his morning position and at the same time improved the lap time on 0.7 sec. For Leonov TT Curcuit is the most investigated tracks in the calendar. His first time on this track had happened in 2008 and continued in 2010 when he was on the Grand-Prix Moto2. Additionally, last year at this particular track he won his first podium starting from the 7th position. Number 7 can become a successful number also this time.
Vladimir Leonov: "I'm very happy today that we finally succeeded to manage the qualification without any mistakes. In comparescence with the last year I am 0,7 sec faster but on the same 7th position. In order to compete for the podium we need to analyze the data and find out why at some turns we move faster than others and at some turns we loose the time".
Sam Lowes: "The bike was great today! We are sure that the bike is ready for the race. I could be faster and get through 1'38 but the team asked to keep forces for the tomorrow race. I also need to take care of my hand: it still aches but it's better than it used to in Aragon".
