MotoGP Austria: Mistimed lap leaves McPhee disappointed

Sterilgarda Max Racing’s John McPhee failed to capitalise on his early pace, qualifying 18th for the Moto3 Austrian GP on Saturday.

McPhee headed into Q2 confident of his speed on the Husqvarna after a promising weekend in Spielberg so far and after securing direct entry with the seventh fastest lap in FP3 - a 1’41.723. However, after running on at the new chicane on his first run, he chose to wait as the clock counted down for his second attempt.

The usual waiting and mind games of the lightweight class saw the pack roll out painfully close to the final countdown with the Scot caught out by the chequered flag before being able to complete his desired hot lap. His first and only complete effort, a 1’42.951, leaving him 18th and on the sixth row of the grid for Sunday’s 23-lap race.

“I am really disappointed with qualifying,” McPhee said on Saturday evening. “We were not able to show our true speed.

“The plan at the beginning was to get a good lap, but I ran straight in turn two. I thought it was better to wait for the new tyres at the end of the session and try again with the grip.

“I am not sure what happened in the end, but we missed the lap. This was not my strategy and I am disappointed to end this way. Tomorrow is the race and I will try my best to come forward.”