Honda HRC tops Friday qualifying at Suzuka

"Looking at the week so far, all three riders have been able to maintain a similar pace. There are some differences, of course, but overall we have been running at a similar level and I think the team is working well together. Having said that, I cannot say that I am completely satisfied because there are always things to improve, every year. Today was actually hotter than expected because we had not ridden in these temperatures earlier in the week but, compared to last year, I have not felt a significant difference and the lap times have been coming naturally. For tomorrow, the forecast is uncertain, so if it rains it will, of course, be difficult to improve the lap times. In a way, that is not a bad thing because there would be less chance of someone breaking into the 2'03 range. But if somebody is going to do it, it will probably be Johnny, and if it happens within our team, that would be a good thing. Honestly, I am not particularly interested in the Top 10 Trial. Of course, it is better to be at the front, but if we are somewhere between third and fifth, the positions will change once the race starts anyway, so I do not pay too much attention to that. For the race itself, we still do not know what the weather will do and, at the moment, there seems to be quite a high chance of rain. However, I think all three riders can be competitive in wet conditions. I believe that if we do what we need to do as Honda HRC, the results will come."

"Today there was still some little margin, I had some traffic on my lap, but not enough to account for five tenths to be able to make 2'03. So, I think a 2'03 tomorrow is quite ambitious. Of course, I will do my best, but it depends on the conditions, so let's see. This race is about finding a compromise between three riders. For me, it is more important to understand lap by lap how to get the best from the bike. Step by step I am learning, making some small adjustments to my riding style and also using some personal electronic settings. I am just trying to understand how to get the best from myself, the bike and the track. As for the race I would prefer a dry track, but if it is wet we are still in a good position because Takumi is very fast in the wet. Chantra was also quite fast in the wet conditions and I was fast as well, so I think we are prepared whatever the conditions. I think this year's Suzuka 8 Hours will be won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes, stays consistent and has no problems during the race. I will just try to use all my experience, stay calm and be consistent."

"Today we had free practice in the morning and I tried to get a feeling with the bike and also with the tyres. After that we had the qualifying sessions. In Qualifying 1 the track was very hot and I could not make a really good lap time. I tried to push, but it was not the best thing to do because I made some mistakes, especially with the rear of the bike. When I wanted to go faster and opened the throttle too much and too quickly, the bike became nervous and I basically lost my lap time. In Qualifying 2 the track temperature became better and in the afternoon I was able to improve my lap time and also maintain a more consistent pace. Before coming here I had only completed one test, so this is actually only my second time at Suzuka. I am very happy to be able to improve progressively over the past few days. The team is very good, everyone is like a family, they keep me really calm and I can enjoy riding and ride in my own style. The bike setup is very good and very smooth. The electronics and everything else are already ready, so I do not need to change anything. I just came here, rode the bike and immediately the lap times started to come."