Brno, Czech Republic – 15 August 2015: Scott Redding will line up 14th on the grid for tomorrow's Czech Grand Prix after a difficult qualifying in Brno this afternoon. 

Redding found himself in a hugely competitive Q1 session and, despite making progress with his qualifying setup, was unable to make it through to the Q2 shootout.

Having struggled in the past to get the best from new tyres in qualifying, today saw the Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider make a significant step forward, improving on each qualifying run and setting his fastest time of the weekend on his last flying lap. Finding the limit in the 15-minute session is a challenge for every rider and while it has taken Redding longer than expected, here in Brno he showed progress has been made in this area.

The 22-year-old Briton tried some setup changes to the front end of the bike in FP4 and, despite the changes not leading to the improvements expected, there were still positives to be found. Redding's pace in the session was competitive, with the British rider showing he had the speed and consistency to challenge the top ten.

Tomorrow's race is over 22 laps and while it will be difficult starting from the fifth row of the grid, the Brno circuit is one with many overtaking opportunities.

Scott Redding: 14th – 1’56.765
“FP4 was difficult for us because we tried some things with the front of the bike and the lap time wasn't really where we wanted it to be. In qualifying we were a bit better and we went faster, which is a positive thing for us because sometimes we've struggled to improve in qualifying compared to our FP3 lap time. We went a bit quicker and my target was to make a 56.6, which I did, but only after the chequered flag, unfortunately. We need to wait and see for the race because when I have new tyres front and rear I can maintain more corner speed and mid-corner turning. When the tyres begin to drop off I start to lose a little bit of turn in from the bike. Hopefully tomorrow I can make a good start and settle into a good rhythm.”

Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“We are not where we wanted to be on the grid for tomorrow’s race, having missed out on a place in Q2 once again, but there are at least some positives that we can take from today. Scott has struggled in the past to improve on his FP3 lap time in qualifying, but today he managed to use the new tyres to good effect, setting his fastest time of the weekend on his final lap. It will be a tough race tomorrow but if Scott can make a good start and settle quickly into a good rhythm then I think a top ten finish is possible.”