Round 10 : CZECH GP : 08/15/2010
Starting the second half of the season with a satisfying 2nd place finish
(Qualifiers: 5th; Final: 2nd)

CZECHRound 10 took place in the Czech Republic after about a month-long summer break. It looked like it could rain at any moment, but the races were conducted under dry conditions all three days.
Yuki did not have a good feel during the free run on the first day, but he managed to place sixth, which was not that bad. However, the problems he's been working on were still unresolved, so he went into the session constantly thinking about how he could do his best under the current conditions.

In the official qualifying round, the settings were better, and he finished in fifth place, just one spot away from the front row. He had problems with the turns at first, but as the grip of the tires wore down, he was able to control the sliding and drive straight ahead. The tires wore cleanly and made it through the early part of the race, so he expected to catch up midway through or later in the final race, and that is exactly how it unfurled.

CZECHHe got off to a reasonably good start, but coming out of the first corner, another motorcycle cut him off, and he was passed due to his poor acceleration. He entered the home straight in 12th place in the opening lap. As expected, other riders got inside him at the beginning, and he was unable to keep a wide line. However, as the tires began to slip, he was able to pick up the pace. Once the other riders began having a difficult time with their tires, Yuki found himself with an advantage and began passing them one at a time.

CZECHRoberto Rolfo, who had been in front of him, had to retire toward the end of the race, putting Yuki in third place. Once there, he went right after Andrea Iannone in second place. With two laps to go, Iannone missed his line, and Yuki capitalized on the opportunity to pass him. Elias had a strong lead, but Yuki's racing made it look like he might have caught up if he had a few more laps.

CZECHComment from Yuki Takahashi
" I bumped into another rider at the GERMANY GP, so this time I was determined to make it through the checkered flags as I went into the final race. At the beginning, I was cautious of the other riders in the pack, but midway through, I was able to ride my own race and catch up. Being able to put in a satisfying performance at the start of these last races is an accomplishment, and I'm going to do my best at the next race in Indianapolis to get into a good rhythm. "