Only two riders have the chance to win the Red Bull Rookies Cup this weekend. The Championship will go to either Danny Kent, or Jake Gagne, and Kent just gained a big advantage over the Californian.
Kent won today's qualifying, but more importantly, Gagne only managed a tenth place finish. Gagne still holds an 11 point lead over Kent, but he'll have to work his way back onto the podium if he wants to keep Kent from stealing the championship with a race win.
And a win is exactly what Kent is aiming for. Even if Kent finishes last tomorrow, he won't lose second place, so expect Kent to risk everything tomorrow for the race win.
“I can't be beaten for second in the Cup," Kent said. "So I've just got to go out, put my head down and go for the win, nothing else will do and I've got to hope that a couple of other guys can also beat Jake.”
Kent was followed by Joshua Hook, and Kevin Calia. Daijiro Hiura completed the front row with a fourth place finish. Hiura is currently sitting in third place, but he'll have to hold off Brad Binder during tomorrow's race if he wants to keep his position.
Red Bull Rookies Cup – Misano – Qualifying Times
1. Danny Kent (GBR) 1 minute 47.532 seconds (187.2 kph)
2. Joshua Hook (AUS) +0.305
3. Kevin Calia (ITA) +0.772
4. Daijiro Hiura (JPN) +1.073
5. Alessio Cappella (ITA) +1.338
6. Xavier Figueras (ESP) +1.404
7. Alejandro Pardo (ITA) +1.428
8. Brad Binder (RSA) +1.437
9. Xavier Pinsach (ESP) +1.583
10. Jake Gagne (USA) +1.763
