Collin Veijer impresses in Motegi with second starting spot

The Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi demanded a lot from the Moto3 riders on Saturday. Collin Veijer managed to put the second fastest lap time in Q2 despite the difficult conditions, securing a place on the front row of the grid.

The weekend at the 4.8 km long Mobility Resort Motegi was not an easy undertaking right from the start after changeable conditions with recurring rain turned the sessions into a game of roulette. Nevertheless, Collin Veijer tried to adapt quickly. Shortly before the end of free practice, the Dutchman even switched to slick tyres, which ultimately earned him ninth place, which he then confirmed in P1.

On the wet Saturday morning, the 19-year-old, who is currently in fourth place in the world championship, took it easy so as not to risk anything unnecessarily before the Q2. In the 15-minute Qualifying 2, the youngster delivered as usual and set by far his best time of the weekend so far with a 1’55.117 on the now dry tarmac. With a gap of just 0.356s to pole setter Ivan Ortola, Veijer will start the race in second place and try to prevent the title decider in favour of David Alonso, who will start directly behind him.

Collin Veijer, P2 – 1’55.117 (+0.356): “It was a bit strange, because just before qualifying it slightly started to rain again. I think that was the reason why I wanted to go out straight away. I also tried to push straight away, even if it was a bit dangerous. Because what some people do in their out-lap, I think it’s dangerous when they slow down on the line. Apart from that, I think our qualifying was pretty good overall. I pushed my laps and tried to stay out of the way of the people who were pushing. The overall feeling is good, I was able to do my laps on my own, which was good for consistency. That’s the most important thing for tomorrow. We made a big step compared to yesterday, where we struggled a bit, but now I feel much better. I can’t wait for the race, which I’m sure will be a lot of fun.”