Linfoot claims impressive third in final qualifying at Macau
19-12-2008
Dan Linfoot continued his steep and impressive learning curve at the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix today to secure the third fastest lap time in Supersport 600 class. Onboard the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha R6, Dan slashed nearly two seconds off his day one lap time with a 2m 34.891s best. The constant improvements have seen the 20 year old climb ever closer to the fastest men, proving his abilities to learn fast and to work with the team to continually better the bike.
Following Dan's front running performance, the Macau rookie was invited to the pre race qualifying press conference to reveal how he had got on the pace so quickly. The Harrogate rider was also given a vote of confidence in his first ever road race by Isle of Man TT legend John McGuiness. During final qualifying McGuiness spent two laps behind Dan and at the end of the session made the time to come over and tell Dan that he was riding well and that he looked smooth and controlled.
With qualifying now over, Dan has just tomorrow's warm-up session before heading into the 15-lap race where he intends to continue to improve his pace and fight for a podium finish in his first ever Macau Grand Prix.
"I've had another really enjoyable day and I'm well chuffed to drop two seconds off my lap time." said Dan
"I need to find a bit more time to get on level terms with the pole man Keith Amor, but I'm closing in on him all the time. I'm finding that every time I go out I'm learning and that could be a new line or a new bump I have to deal with. The great thing about the Rob Mac team is that we can see if things I'm trying are working because at the end of the session we sit down and look at the data to see where I can improve."
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow and as we've seen from this year in the European Superstock championship, I'm generally faster in the race than I am in qualifying. It would be great to try and come away with a top three finish in the 600 class, that would be a great way to give something back to the people that are supporting me." he concluded.
The 42nd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix gets underway at 15.15 local time on Saturday 15th November. Television coverage of the race can be seen on Motors TV on Sunday 16th November from 14.00 UK time.
Sponsors
Team StoneBaker.
For 2009 StoneBaker Racing is sponsoring four riders. Dan Linfoot, Gino Rea, Christian Iddon and Pat McDougall.
Dan Linfoot has joined premier BSB team Rob Mac Racing Yamaha to compete in the British Supersport Championship.
Gino Rea has joined leading WSBK team Ten Kate Honda to compete in the WSBK Superstock 600 Championship.
Christian Iddon competes in the Supermoto World Championship with factory supported Team Motoracing KTM.
Pat McDougall competes in the BSB Superstock 600 Championship in privateer team Beowulf Racing.
