Bradl top Honda, ‘hard to understand what happened’ for Espargaro

Honda suffered another disappointing day in Qatar as none of their four riders will start inside the top ten for today’s race. 

Stefan Bradl was fastest of all the Honda riders in 11th place after a great FP2 performance on Friday that resulted in direct progression to Q2. 

However, the German wasn’t able to replicate his top ten pace and will start in the middle of the fourth row. 

"Conditions were more difficult compared to what we were expecting, the wind and the sand were very strong today," said Bradl.

"We suffered a little with this, especially over one lap to move even higher on the grid. Moving to Q2 directly helped a lot, our hard work yesterday paid off a lot today. 

"In the session itself it was harder to make a lap time, this track has always been a challenge but for tomorrow our race pace is looking better. 

"In FP4 we did a long run, and the rhythm was not too bad, we can definitely fight with the others. Let’s see what happens."

With the return of Marc Marquez much needed, Bradl was a bright spot even though no Honda rider qualified inside the top ten for the first time since Catalunya last season. 

Pol Espargaro will begin his second race for Repsol Honda between the two LCR riders Alex Marquez and Takaaki Nakagami after another difficult day. 

The time attack remains an issue for Espargaro who has great race pace, but has found riding the Honda at the limit tough so far.  

After qualifying, Espargaro said: "I know that tomorrow will be better and that is what is the most frustrating. It’s a bit hard to understand exactly what has happened today. 

"Our first run in Qualifying did not work, I came in and on the second tyre I was able to do more but I lost some tenths with a mistake at the first corner. 

"It’s very frustrating, but tomorrow we go into the race and we will start overtaking and making up ground like last weekend. 

"We need to understand why others have been able to make a big step and we have not been able to."