Abraham hopes star Argentina MotoGP showing answers critics
Karel Abraham says he hopes his star turn in Argentina MotoGP qualifying proves to his critics that he deserves his place in the sport.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
The Czech rider shook the grand prix racing establishment on Saturday at Termas de Rio Hondo, as he used his 2015-spec Aspar Ducati in mixed conditions to qualify second behind poleman Marc Marquez.
It followed a strong practice showing on Friday, when Abraham ended up third - all but guaranteeing himself an automatic spot in Q2 when rain arrived during third practice on Saturday.
Abraham's return to MotoGP after a year in World Superbikes was negatively received in some quarters, as he is known to be supplying a major sum to the Aspar squad's budget.
But the 27-year-old said it was a "nice feeling" to be able to respond to his critics with a place on the front row in Argentina.
"Of course it is a nice feeling," said Abraham. "In the past seasons the package we had was just not competitive enough, and even though I was trying really hard we were struggling a lot with the results.
"There were many people saying bad things about me, but since I sat on that bike [the Aspar Ducati] for the first time in Valencia, I felt really good. Every time we went out, it was a bit better.
"This is a track that fits me really well, so it’s a place where it’s easier for me to make a nice result. Hopefully it proves my place in MotoGP is still there."
Abraham admitted that, despite a strong Friday showing that left him well-placed to make it into Q2 automatically, he was "nervous" after the rain began during Saturday morning practice.
"Today I was nervous, because it was my first time on Michelins in the wet," he said. "I didn’t know what to expect, but in FP4 it worked pretty well.
"In qualifying I don’t think it was 100 percent wet, I saw some riders trying slicks, it was drying out.
"I pushed as hard as I could, and for my last exit Marc was just in front of me so I thought ‘why not, let’s try’. It really worked out. I’m glad to be here."
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