Luis Salom has grabbed his first and his team’s first Grand Prix victory. At Indianapolis the Spaniard beat Sandro Cortese at the finish line after a heroic battle.
In turn 10, the second last corner, Salom overtook his fellow leaders Cortese and Maverick Viñales and didn’t give in anymore. Viñales crashed in the last turn, handing over third place as a present to Jonas Folger.
Brad Binder saw his team mate winning from the garage. Binder had to retire with engine problems. Team owner Roelof Waninge saw his pupil win in front of the tv at home in Holland.
Salom had a great start of the race, jumping from fourth to second and grabbing the lead in turn 2 of lap 2. He was joined by a group of five more riders, growing to nine after six laps.
Viñales was the first to try to get away, in vain. In the course of the race a leading group of three broke away: the same trio leading the championship.
Both Viñales and Cortese tried to make a move, while Salom sat in third waiting for his chance. He got in the last lap when Viñales and Cortese got tangled up with each other.
Luis Salom (race winner): ,,This is incredible! In the last part of the race I had many problems with the rear tire sliding away. But this can happen. The others had it as well. The last lap was so difficult. I was watching and waiting – like a hunter. Suddenly I saw Cortese and Viñales were busy with each other and they just left the door open for me. Of course I took it! I wanted this win so badly. I was close on a few occasions and now I have it. I am so so happy!’’
Brad Binder (DNF): ,,It looks as if bad luck is following me around the world. I had to retire due to engine problems. We don’t know yet what is the problem exactly. KTM is investigating it. It’s a shame, because I felt really strong and I’m sure I could have been up there near the top 10. I have to be patient. But of course I’m happy with Luis’ victory! Congrats mate.’’
Team owner Roelof Waninge: ,,Unfortunately I could not go to the United States because of health reasons. I sat in front of the tv screaming and waiving my fists: Go Luis, go, go! It was almost the same as in Assen, but in the Dutch TT Luis lost the battle on the finish line. This time he saw it coming and he knew what to do to win. I am very, very proud of my team.’’
Team manager Johan Stigefelt: ,,I don’t know what to say. This victory is a landmark for the team and for Luis. It is such a big step. We all needed this after all the energy and hard work everybody put into it. We saw it coming for a while and we were ready for it. Luis did a great job, exactly as we planned. He had an excellent start and stayed in top 5 all the time. The most important thing was not to go too early. Just wait for your chance and strike in the last lap. I’m sorry for Brad. He deserved much better. His time will come.’’
RW Racing Press Release
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