John struggles in Qualifying but aims to cut through the field on raceday

In the Malaysian Grand Prix, free practice 3 track conditions prevented most riders from improving their times. In fact, in many parts the track was wet and they could use slick tires only in the last minutes.

Unfortunately, a brake problem, which troubled John yesterday in both rounds of practice, limited him, effectively taking away his chance to get straight into Q2. He was unable to improve his time and in the combined ranking he ranked twenty-first.

The Moto3 riders found the track in perfect condition at the beginning of qualifying 1. John completed seven laps in Q1 and on the fourth he got his best lap, with a time of 2’13.240. He will start tomorrow from the eighth row, in 22nd position.

JOHN MCPHEE :
“Today was another struggle. I feel like I’m riding good but just can’t find the pace I’ve always been capable of. I pushed over my limit in the qualifying going alone but this was unfortunately my maximum with the package I have. Tomorrow I’ll dig deep like always and try to come through the pack in the race.”