MotoGP News
Date: 16/June/2012
A dramatic second day at the British ended with a first MotoGP pole for Spaniard Alvaro Bautista.
Cold, windy and damp conditions caused numerous accidents throughout the two track sessions, including an ankle injury for home rider Cal Crutchlow in morning practice.
The final twist was a light shower with ten minutes of qualifying remaining, which kept Bautista on an unexpected pole.
The Spaniard, 27, is riding in his third MotoGP season - having switched from Suzuki to Honda Gresini for the start of this year.
Bautista’s pole is the first of the year by a non-factory rider and he will be aiming to beat his previous best MotoGP finish of fifth in Sunday’s race.
“For the last two years I haven’t been up here, so I’m happy for this pole position,” smiled Bautista. “Also because we have been very fast and consistent all weekend.
“I’m so happy with the bike and team. We’ve worked hard to adjust to this new bike and I’m feeling very confident. Now I want to make a good result tomorrow.
“Today it was difficult with the rain and we’ll wait and see which weather we have for the race. I’m going to push for the maximum and I’ll try and stay up here again tomorrow!”
Bautista is a former 125cc world champion and 250cc title contender.
Ben Spies (Yamaha) and Casey Stoner (Honda) will start alongside Bautista on the front row, with title leader Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) qualifying in fourth.
Lorenzo holds a 20-point lead over Stoner after five rounds and they are the only riders to have won a race this year.
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