Checa hails qualifying breakthrough
Carlos Checa believes that the LCR Honda team have made a major breakthrough with their qualifying performance after the Spaniard claimed his first front row start in three seasons at Jerez
The veteran could only manage 12th on the grid for the season-opener in Qatar a fortnight ago, but feels that he has now got to grips with the Michelin qualifying tyres, having spent 2006 on Dunlops with the Tech 3 Yamaha team.
"The most important thing today was the qualifying," Checa said.
"In Qatar, we couldn't use the qualifying tyre well. Finally here, especially during this great weekend for us, we reach the level in qualifying. We did the lap time, we're on the first row.
"It's quite important for us because it was one point that we needed to fix, and so far we've improved quite a lot and we are quite satisfied."
Checa is now aiming for a podium in his home race, having been fastest in two of the three free practice sessions this weekend and having only been 0.058 seconds away from pole position this afternoon.
"We're working quite well, with the support of Michelin of course," he said. "The pace is quite good, especially for us."
Share Or Save This Story
Hamilton accepts blame for incident with Albon in F1 Brazilian GP
Ferrari drivers called to F1 stewards over Brazilian GP collision
Will Alonso's Indy failure end the age of versatility?
Hamilton claims Dutch GP radio outbursts weren't "the best version of me"
WRC seeking Chinese manufacturer with plan of "six constructors by 2029"
McLaren appealing Monaco GP result "with a double intent"
The questions surrounding Plato Racing/CPRL after administration
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments