The weekend starts well for Tom Lüthi (3rd) in the Cathedral of Speed (Assen)
This circuit is a long-standing host of the Dutch Grand Prix, although races now take place on Sunday – since the world championship debut back in 1949, the race would take place on he last Saturday of the month of June. This event is right at the heart of the season and we are happy to call the circuit of Asset the “Cathedral” of speed. Thomas Lüthi (carXpert Interwetten) made a perfect start to his first day of free practice, with the fastest time in the morning and third fastest in the afternoon. The other two Garage Plus Interwetten riders, Iker Lecuona (23rd) and Jesko Raffin (24th) also worked really hard in a two-day test after the Catalan Grand Prix. They also made a positive impression today to the delight of the boss of the two Swiss teams Frédéric Corminboeuf: “Good first day for everyone. Tom is working a lot and he already has a good pace, he is consistently improving. He also perfectly managed his tyres and should the weather stay stable on Saturday, we have a lot to look forward to in qualifying. Despite a modest second session, Jesko showed this morning that he was “back in business”. He was maybe a bit too tense in the afternoon because he wanted to confirm the good impression he made in the morning. Iker is learning this circuit of Assen and for his first day here on such a technical and difficult track, he did his job really well, confirming his excellent Barcelona tests.”
He said…
Thomas Lüthi (carXpert Interwetten, 3rd):
“We did a lot of work during the post-GP test in Catalunya, especially on the second day. Although I was not looking specifically for lap times, I was really fast and consistent in particular in such extraordinary heat. This morning was cooler than Spain and the grip was not very good so I was surprised I felt so comfortable. My pace was really good but we still have a lot of work to do because we are on the limit with the front already. However, I am sure that, unless the rain comes, the track conditions will change at the end of the sessions. We are working really well and I love it.”
Assen (Netherland). Dutch GP Moto2, first day of free practice (2 sessions): 1. Morbidelli (ITA, Kalex), 1’38.061 (166.700 km/h); 2. Nakagami (JPN, Kalex), +0.155; 3. Lüthi (SWI, Kalex, carXpert Interwetten), +0.181; 4. A. Marquez (SPA, Kalex), +0.319; 5. A. Pons (SPA, Kalex), +0.393; 6. Oliveira (POR, KTM), +0.402; 7. Aegerter (SWI, Suter), +0.553; 8. Vierge (SPA, Tech 3), +0.563; 9. Baldassari (ITA, Kalex), +0.653; 10. Syahrin (MAL, Kalex), +0.694. Puis: 23. Lecuona (SPA, Kalex, Garage Plus Interwetten), +1.449; 24. Raffin (SWI, Kalex, Garage Plus Interwetten), +1.485. 32 classified.
