By Following the world class competition from the second qualifying session, various anticipated front runners, dark horses for podium finishes are confident that they have the right set up to challenge for first rate finishes in tomorrow’s 12 lap race.
Amongst those approaching the race in a quietly confident mood include IRRC Superbike champion Danny Webb.
Tunbridge Wells Webb who has impressed many with his pace during practice, qualifying sessions, recently stated in short but confident fashion via Twitter, his thoughts about tomorrows’s race.
“Starting from P5 for tomorrow’s Macau Grand Prix. Really happy with how everything’s gone so far and We’ve got a good race pace.”
Another racer heading into race action in a positive frame of mind, is PR Racing’s David Johnson. The popular Australian like fellow S1000RR BMW mounted racer Webb, was active on Twitter, stating:
“Qualifying done here in Macau. P7 on the grid. Still working on getting the best feel on the bike for me. More changes for the race tomorrow. Thanks to my PR Racing crew for their hard work! Race time!”
In total 26 riders are set to take part in Saturday’s Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, with over half of the race starters S1000RR BMW mounted.
Photo by ID
Eight times Macau GP victor Michael Rutter, is Honda’s sole representative, whilst quite incredibly four times event winners Suzuki, have no representation in private, independent or factory backed form.
It’s thirty years since Kevin Schwantz scored a dominant event victory aboard the Pepsi Suzuki, will Saturday see similar race domination for pole sitter Peter Hickman?
Nothing is ever a guarantee in sport, but there’s no doubt that if everything clicks together, and he continues to find the sweet spot with the Aspire Ho/Bathams Racing BMW, he will prove extremely, extremely hard to beat.
Amongst those unquestionably capable of stopping him making it a hat trick of Macau GP titles, is new Be Wiser Ducati team member Martin Jessopp.
Step by step getting to grips with the high spec, proven Ducati steed, Yeovil’s Jessopp recently expressed cautious confidence ahead of Saturday’s 12 lap race, in this morning’s post qualifying press conference.
Team mate John McGuinness, whilst perhaps not a contender for a podium placing tomorrow, could well surprise a few people tomorrow, as he continues to steadily increase his confidence again with Superbike machinery.
Previous long term employers Padgetts Racing, who are absent from Macau GP competition look set to announce their 2019 plans at Motorcycle Live.
Coy on who will be competing for them at the International events in 2019, they stated two days ago via their Facebook page about the upcoming announcement:
“Only 2 days to go, guys, make sure you have all got your tickets to Motorcycle Live to see and hear our latest news! Just seen the final tweaks and the boys Spray Bay have made yet another amazing job!”
Words by Stevie Rial
