By Overnight rain in Macau has left the Guia Circuit too wet for 57th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix qualifying proceedings.
Despite the disappointment of the cancellation, the mood in the paddock remained optimistic.
“We’re happy with the bike,” SMT Racing chief Jim Hodson told Road Racing News. “We got third yesterday [in free practice]. Maybe some tweaks on suspension or gearing, that’s all.”
Confidence is high in the Jackson Racing camp too. Asked their benchmark for a successful Macau, they answered, “No rain! Not after last year. But really, it’s the podium. Which place is the question. But we’re here to podium or win. We’re capable of it. It’s what we do.”
Jackson Racing team member Rob Alton, offered some insights into the unique characteristics of the Guia Circuit.
“There’s not much time to gain in the fast parts. Everyone can take them fast. Where you can get some time, so Paul [Jordan] tells me, is in the second twist bit up on the hill.
After San Francisco, it’s all blind corners, so it’s all on confidence. If you don’t have as much experience and don’t know where you’re going, you’ll brake earlier and get on the power late.”
The revised timetable for the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will see a one-hour qualifying session at 7.00 am on Saturday 15 November, replacing the scheduled warm-up session. Teams and riders will then have an hour’s plus break before the race at 9.10 am.
Photo credit: ID
Words by Tom McGrenery
