The title race is still wide open. Most recently at Assen, 20-year-old Glenn van Straalen (NIWA Racing/Kawasaki) put himself in contention with a one-two finish. But if he wants to win at the Red Bull Ring, it will likely have to rain. That would suit him just fine. Van Straalen last raced at this track five years ago. This is where it will be decided whether he still has a shot at the title. Other riders dominated qualifying, led by Patrick Hobelsberger (Bonovo action by MGM). All the fastest times were set in Q1; not a single rider was able to improve in Q2.
Hobelsberger will line up on the front row alongside his Yamaha teammates Kevin Wahr (MVR Racing) and Jan-Ole Jähnig (MR32 Racing). Thomas Gradinger (eder Racing, Yamaha), Valentin Debise (Kawasaki Weber-Motos Racing), and Glenn Van Straalen will line up behind them. Only one second separates the top seven riders in the fastest lap times from qualifying. Seventh is Max Enderlein (MR32 Racing).
Gradinger is hoping for a podium finish on his home track. “That kind of single fast lap in qualifying isn’t really my thing. I’m better in the race.”
The first race takes place today, Saturday, at 4:30 p.m. You can also watch it live and in color at www.idm.de/live.
Qualifying Overall Results:
1. Patrick HOBELSBERGER (GER/Yamaha)
2. Kevin WAHR (GER/Yamaha)
3. Jan-Ole JÄHNIG (GER/Yamaha)
4. Thomas GRADINGER (AUT/Yamaha)
5. Valentin DEBISE (FRA/Kawasaki)
6. Glenn VAN STRAALEN (NLD/Kawasaki)
7. Max ENDERLEIN (GER/Yamaha)
8. Andreas KOFLER (AUT/Kawasaki)
9. Christoph BEINLICH (GER/Yamaha)
10. Rob HARTOG (NLD/Kawasaki)