Fired up Vierge to launch from 8th - Gardner confident of positive finish

The Tech3 Racing team duo produced two solid efforts today as they battled against the changing weather conditions in the Argentina GP qualifying shootout, and now they confidently eye up the round 2 battle tomorrow. Xavi Vierge clinched the 8^th slot on the grid for the 23 lap sprint after speeding to his personal best on his final lap, which saw him end up just three-tenths of a second back from the front row. Whilst Remy Gardner will begin from the head of the ninth row having experienced a tricky qualifying campaign despite his best efforts. Nevertheless, the young Australian fully intends to climb through the pack tomorrow and determinedly clinch a point scoring finish, with the all important race beginning at 14:20 in Argentina and 19:20 in central Europe.

Xavi Vierge

Position: 8^th - Time: 1'46.173 - Laps:20

“I am pleased with my qualifying position but it was hard work today because, in FP3 and qualifying, the weather made things difficult. Both sessions started wet but then it dried and it was tricky for us in these mixed conditions. Anyway, I am happy that I will start from the third row and from 8th. Yet, I must admit that I am a little bit disappointed with my last lap because I had improved in the first half of the lap, but then in the third sector I had to overtake another rider, which caused me to lose some time. This is a pity because if I was just one-tenth of a second faster, then I could have been fifth. Regarding my chances for the race, I have a very good rhythm and we have worked on it all weekend so I am sure that we can have a successful time tomorrow."

Remy Gardner

Position: 25^th - Time: 1'47.899 - Laps:22

“I am a bit disappointed with my qualifying position but the big day is tomorrow and I’m sure that we can close the weekend positively. At the end of the session, we fitted the slick tyres and then during my second to last lap, I was running a good rhythm and feeling confident. However, at the first corner, the front of the bike tucked and I ran wide which disrupted my concentration. Nevertheless, I kept focused and started my last lap and that was going positively until the final corner, where I unfortunately just went in a bit too hot, which sent me to the wetter part of the track, and I lost time. This was a shame but we have to focus on tomorrow now. In the dry I have a good pace, so I’ve got to make a solid start just like in Qatar, then we will see what happens but I am ready to fight."