Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike riders Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland spent the first day of qualifying at the Nurburgring getting back into the swing of riding after their summer holiday, Toseland also spending some time reacquainting himself with the Nurburgring circuit having not ridden it since 1999. The Yamaha bikes have been untouched since the last round at Silverstone so the free practice and following first qualifying session were spent making initial changes to the set up of both riders R1s to work with the demanding German circuit. Having won here in style last year, Crutchlow had no need to learn the track so was up to pace slightly quicker than team mate Toseland.

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (7th, 1’56.169)
“Today was not so bad, seventh overall is ok. We will go faster tomorrow though! We will look at some of our chassis and gearbox settings to see how we can achieve this. I’m not so worried; I think the times are pretty close from second place to tenth. We’re looking forward to improving some more in the morning.”

James Toseland, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (18th, 1’57.001)
“The position looks worse than it is! We’ve been working with a new engine that we’ve got this weekend and trying some different settings along with learning the track. It’s been tough learning the track today but I’m quite optimistic with the times. I’m looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow morning and getting faster.”

Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team Manager
“Having spent a month away from the track on holiday today was a good opportunity for both James and Cal to get back onto the bikes and riding again. We are satisfied with this first outing and confident that tomorrow we will get down to faster times as we set up for Superpole and the races on Sunday.”