Challenge awaits NTS RW Racing GP

In terms of lap times, Bo Bendsneyder in particular really took a step on the second day of the Spanish Grand Prix. Unfortunately, that didn’t make much difference to the position. The Dutchman qualified with 1.42.322 in 22nd place for Sunday’s Moto2 race. Jesko Raffin will start the race in Jerez from 29th place.

Both riders of NTS RW Racing GP didn’t make it to Q2, making getting points a challenge in tomorrow’s race. Bendsneyder just fell short for the second qualifying round. His Q1 time would in Q2 have been good enough for 14th on the grid, but unfortunately that doesn’t count. In the third free practice Saturday morning, Bendsneyder finished nineteenth. With 1.41.939, he was 0.830 from the fastest man and came very close to the fastest fourteen.
This was not the case with Jesko Raffin. The Swiss has a particularly hard time in stopping the NTS going into the corners. With his crew he tried different settings and changes, but it takes more than determination and focus to accomplish a feat like that.

Bo Bendsneyder: “I try to get the most out of myself and the bike in every session. That works, but it is not enough. If we look at the position, it is not good. The 41.9 this morning came close. In the heat of the afternoon we have a much harder time. With 42.3 I just fell short. The race pace is not great yet. With the race being early in the afternoon, when it is not that extremely hot yet, we might have a chance. I hope – and will do everything possible – that I can reward the hard work of the team with points.”

Jesko Raffin: “I wish I had a better story than yesterday, but unfortunately that is not the case. It is very disappointing. This is not my weekend yet. Everyone works really hard, but nothing seems to work. We start at the very back; all I can do is fight for what I am worth and try to get the most out of it.”