Jerez GP Race Preview
Circuito de Jerez – 4th May 2014
Circuit: Circuito de Jerez
Circuit Length: 4.423 m
Moto2 Records
Fastest Lap: 2011 Stefan BRADL (GER) Chassis: Kalex. Time: 1’42.706 Speed: 155.0 km/h
Circuit Record: 2013 Esteve RABAT (SPA) Chassis: Kalex. Time: 1’43.119 Speed: 154.4 km/h
Best Pole: 2011 Stefan BRADL (GER) Chassis: Kalex. Time: 1’42.706 Speed: 155.0 km/h
Top Speed: 2011 Alex DE ANGELIS (RSM) Chassis: Motobi. Speed: 253.0 km/h
Following on from the Argentine GP, AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing Team now head to Jerez for the Spanish Grand Prix where they will aim to continue showing their strength of pace with French rider Johann Zarco and challenge for their first race win.
The race in Jerez will also see replacement rider Ratthapark Wilairot board the Caterham Suter for the very first time as he debuts for the team as a replacement for the injured Josh Herrin.
Made up of five left corners, eight right corners and a 607m straight, Jerez is one of the most well-known tracks amongst the riders and teams. Hosting Grand Prixs since 1987, this picturesque venue will host the first European round of the Moto2 Championship.
Johann Zarco:
“I have ridden at Jerez since 2009 so I know the track well. Also at the start of the year we did two IRTA tests at Jerez and the last one was quite good as I’ve never been as fast before. Now my feeling on the Caterham Suter has improved a lot more and also the mechanics and technical guys know the bike better.
“The target is to do the same as I did in Argentina and continue with strong pace throughout practice and qualifying and then, with a bit of luck, I can fight for the win on race day.”
Ratthapark Wilairot:
“I’m really excited about racing at Jerez. This is a great opportunity for me and I’d just like to thank the AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing Team for allowing me to join them.
“I’ve raced at Jerez before and I like the track so I can’t wait to get out on the bike and see what I can do.”
Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager:
“We know Jerez very well as we have been testing there a lot over the winter like everyone else. The final IRTA test was quite good for us but we have improved the Caterham Suter since that time, so it will be interesting to come back now with the bike set-up that we have and see what we are able to do.
“As always we will aim high. Johann has a great confidence, as do we all, so we will focus on doing the same as we did in Argentina and we will keep fighting.
“For our second rider we have Ratthapark Wilairot who is standing in for Josh Herrin whilst he continues to recover from his injury. It’s a great opportunity for him and it will be interesting to have him on the bike. He knows the Suter and he knows Jerez as he’s been in Moto2 a couple of years ago, so it’s nothing new for him. It will be the first time we meet Ratthapark on Wednesday and I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”