Redding ready to race at Misano
Gosselies, Belgium – 8 September 2015: Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider, Scott Redding, heads to this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix at Misano looking to build on his sixth place finish last time out at Silverstone, his best result since stepping up to the MotoGP class in 2014.
Redding was the first British rider home at Silverstone, which provided a much needed confidence boost during what has been a difficult first season aboard the factory Honda RC213V for the 22-year-old.
Although buoyed by his success in the British Grand Prix Redding remains realistic as he heads to Misano, a circuit that differs greatly in character to Silverstone and one that places different demands on the rider, bike and tyres.
The Briton will also need to evaluate changes made to the Misano circuit, which underwent extensive renovation earlier this year. The 4.2km track was completely resurfaced in March, with additional run off also added for safety and a number of the corners and kerbs re-profiled.
Unlike many of his MotoGP rivals, who tested at Misano back in July, Redding will see the circuit modifications for the first time this weekend. What is certain is that lap records will tumble, as all of the riders who took part in the test back in July were under the pole position record of 1’32.915, set by Marc Márquez in 2013.
Scott Redding:
“Misano is a very different circuit to Silverstone. It’s still got some fast corners but it’s also more technical in places. I normally enjoy racing there, but we will need to see how the resurfacing has changed things, as it’s likely to be more abrasive which means tyre wear could be an issue. I hope we can maintain the form from Silverstone, but it all depends on how the Honda works at the track. If the bike works then I hope we can keep making improvements in free practice and secure a place directly in QP2 once again, as this takes some of the pressure off in qualifying and it’s critical for a good race result.”
Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“Scott rode a good race in front of his home crowd in the British Grand Prix and to finish as the top British rider was just the boost to his confidence that he needed after difficult races in Indianapolis and Brno. Now he needs to carry the momentum into this weekend at Misano, which is a very different track to Silverstone. What is important is for him to feel comfortable on the bike after the first two free practice sessions on Friday and the team will be working hard to achieve that. If he can find a good feeling with the bike ahead of the all important FP3 then we stand a good chance of progressing straight into QP2 again, which is important both for Scott’s confidence and the race.”