Argomenti trattati
The rain had barely settled when the anticipation for the Motul Czech Round’s Superpole session reached a fever pitch. Lucas Mahias, racing for GMT94-YAMAHA, marked a monumental moment in his career by clinching his first pole position since 2019. It was a race against the clock, with riders battling not just their competitors but the unpredictable weather at Autodrom Most. I remember the palpable excitement in the paddock as the riders took to the slick track, each trying to find that perfect balance of speed and control.
Mahias finds another gear
As the Superpole unfolded, conditions varied dramatically. Initially, the wet track held back the riders, but as the skies gradually cleared, lap times began to drop. With only moments left on the clock, Mahias unleashed a blistering lap of 1’38.142s, placing him nearly six tenths ahead of his closest competitor. Can Oncu, riding for the Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team, followed suit, securing second place with a time of 1’38.733s. The excitement was electric—can you imagine the adrenaline coursing through their veins? It’s moments like these that remind us why we love racing. Valentin Debise, who had led early in the session, completed the front row, finishing third with a commendable lap of 1’38.809s.
De Rosa marks a milestone for QJMOTOR
Another notable performance came from Raffaele De Rosa, representing QJMOTOR Factory Racing. His efforts not only earned him sixth place but also marked the best result for the brand in its two-year history of competition. I’ve seen many underdogs rise, but this felt particularly special. It’s these kinds of achievements that make the racing world so vibrant and unpredictable. Meanwhile, Philipp Oettl, from the Feel Racing WorldSSP Team, secured fifth place with a personal season-best of 1’39.016s. It’s like he found a new spark, reigniting his season just when he needed it the most.
Challenging conditions shake things up
With the rain creating a tricky playing field, riders like Marcel Schroetter and Tom Booth-Amos had to navigate the conditions carefully. Schroetter initially showcased speed but ultimately finished seventh with a time of 1’39.252s, just behind Oettl. Booth-Amos, known for his prowess, couldn’t quite match his usual pace, landing in eighth with a time of 1’39.319s. It’s fascinating how weather can completely shift the dynamics of a race—one moment you’re riding high, and the next, you’re wrestling with a slippery track.
Crashes and comebacks
The session wasn’t without drama. Luke Power, racing for Motozoo ME Air Racing, unfortunately, crashed early into the gravel at Turn 13, but his determination shone through as he returned to finish in 18th place. Then there was Filip Fiegl, a wildcard entry, who also faced a crash at Turn 20. Jeremy Alcoba’s late lowside crash caused him to miss the remainder of the session, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in racing. These incidents are all part of the unpredictable thrill of motorsport. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something unexpected happens.
Looking ahead to Race 1
As we gear up for Race 1, the excitement is palpable. Mahias, with his newfound confidence, will be a force to reckon with, while Oncu and Debise are sure to put up a fierce fight. The weather may still play a role, adding an extra layer of strategy for the teams. Personally, I believe this race could redefine the trajectories of several riders this season. The unpredictability of motorsport is what keeps fans on the edge of their seats, and I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.