Gerloff getting US ‘vibes’ from Donington, finishes P1 on opening day

Garrett Gerloff’s impressive time-attack pace at the end of WorldSBK FP2 in Donington was good enough to put him three tenths clear of his nearest challenger. 

That rider was Jonathan Rea who had topped FP1 and led most of the afternoon session. 

After Navarra two weeks ago and Assen last week for the Dutch MotoGP, Donington Park is the third new circuit that the American has been presented with in three weeks.

Gerloff put his quick adaptation down to getting ‘US vibes’, as three circuits in the United States have similar characteristics.  

"It’s really funny, but I have a few US vibes here. It’s English everywhere which is nice, and the track really reminds me of a couple of tracks - Road Atlanta, VAR in Virginia and Pittsburgh in the North-East," he said.  

"It seems like this track gives me a lot of vibes from those tracks and for sure it helps when I go out and ride. I had a lot of fun today." 

Another Yamaha rider who went well today was Toprak Razgatlioglu - P3 overall - proving once again that the Yamaha is a strong and perhaps favoured package to be on at the Leicestershire based circuit. 

Gerloff added: "I feel like already, I have a really good bike and for sure the Yamaha R1 has historically gone well here, like it does at most tracks. 

"I’m really looking forward to tomorrow and qualifying to get into that first race. 

"Like I said, I have a good feeling around here for this track and with the bike, and I want to get back on the bike right now, I just want to get out on the grid and go racing."