Le Mans GP Race Preview
Le Mans, France – 18th May 2014
Circuit: Le Mans
Circuit Length: 4.185 m
Moto2 Records
Fastest Lap: 2012 Marc MARQUEZ (SPA) Chassis: Suter Time: 1’37.710 Speed: 154.1 km/h
Circuit Record: 2011 Marc MARQUEZ (SPA) Chassis: Suter Time: 1’38.533 Speed: 152.9 km/h
Best Pole: 2012 Marc MARQUEZ (SPA) Chassis: Suter Time: 1’37.710 Speed: 154.1 km/h
Top Speed: 2011 Marc MARQUEZ (SPA) Chassis: Suter Speed: 263.5 km/h
The AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing Team prepare to head to the fifth round of the Moto2 Championship at Le Mans where Johann Zarco will be aiming high at his home Grand Prix.
Steeped in history, the French circuit has played host to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1923. Built around the existing track in 1965 the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix race circuit is a tight technical track with four left corners and nine right corners, which for the majority are taken in first gear.
Le Mans will also welcome the return of Moto2 rookie Josh Herrin to the team, after a three week recovery period following a training accident where he suffered a broken collarbone. After missing the previous two races the young American is keen to get back on board his #2 bike and challenge for the points.
Johann Zarco:
“Last year in Le Mans I had a good race so that means it is possible to do well again as I’m feeling much better on the Caterham Suter. I am a lot more confident on the bike and we have the ability to fight for the podium, but we will see.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself coming into my home race as for sure at the French Grand Prix there will be more things to do compared to normal, but I am still not a superstar so I will control it as well as possible.”
Josh Herrin:
“I’m pleased to say that my recovery has gone really well. Missing the last two rounds has been frustrating for me but it has allowed my collarbone to heal as well as giving me the time to build up my training again so that I am in a good condition for Le Mans. To be physically prepared is very important and I want to thank the team for supporting me throughout the past few weeks and allowing me the time to recover properly.
“Watching the Championship on TV is no fun at all once you have been on track with these guys, so I’m really excited to get back on the bike and go racing again. Le Mans is a new track for me to learn but hopefully I can get up to speed quickly and challenge for the points.”
Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager:
“We are arriving in Le Mans after a respectable eighth-place finish in Jerez where we finally scored some points, which was very good for the team and more importantly for Johann.
“Le Mans is Johann’s home race so there will be a lot of focus on him but I know he will be well prepared. It is a track that suits his riding style better and if we look back to his previous results there, he has done quite well at Le Mans in the past. However it is important not to go in with too much hope and to keep both feet firmly on the ground. We must continue to work as we have done in the last few races, aim to progress throughout the weekend and stay calm until the chequered flag, which is the most important thing that we have learned.
“I’m really happy that Josh is coming back for this GP because he has been out now for two races. He needs to get more mileage on the bike and we need to see if he is 100% fit.
“The track at Le Mans is not too difficult to learn but again it is going to be a new place for Josh, so this will be his focus for the first day. He will need to take it step by step, first of all to see how he feels, but we are all hopeful that he can go for a good result.”