Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa has qualified in 13th position and will start from the fifth row of the grid in tomorrow’s 22 lap Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. After being in the top ten in free practice, Checa dropped back when he again experienced front chatter problems using soft compound qualifying tyres.

This problem has been with Checa since the beginning of the season and he faces a tough race from 13th on the grid. Checa was disappointed not to be able to explore the full potential of his RC212V, and he faces a tough race on a track dominated by the fast, 1200 metre back straight. Valentino Rossi starts from pole position.

CHECA: Thirteenth - 2’00.319

CHECA: “Again I struggled with a lot of chatter at the front on the qualifying tyres. I expected some chatter, but not at this level and it was impossible to use the full potential of the bike and the tyres. But my race pace is OK, not enough to win, but the chassis and tyres are consistent. The LCR team and Ramon Forcada have worked very hard to find solutions but one thing we are missing is more engine performance, and perhaps a little more grip at the rear. It is possible to pass here, but first you have be close to the rider in front.”

Irish rookie Eugene Laverty will start 22nd for the 250cc grand prix in his first race at the Shanghai Circuit.

LAVERTY: “I improved 0.7s from yesterday but it is not where I want to be. I only got one fast lap with a tow behind Anthony West and I still have problems with the race set-up, I need a better compromise with the chassis and gearbox.”