Owing to the time difference (GMT +8 in Malaysia), the Malaysian Grand Prix races were delayed two hours from the usual schedule. The Moto3 race started at 1pm, under conditions more extreme than during the rest of the weekend. The heat was increased, causing the race pace to be slower than qualifying (pole lap: 2.13.885/race fastest lap: 2.15.142). Jonas Folger pushed hard early on, breaking out a five-rider leading pack that would later be reduced to three (Folger, Khairuddin and Cortese). With nine laps remaining, drizzle fell but the riders kept up their pace. Cortese claimed the victory and became the first Moto3 World Champion as a result, followed home by Khairuddin and Folger.
MAPFRE Aspar rider Jonas Folger’s strategy today was quite clear. Pushing from the start, he wanted to see if his rivals could keep up with his pace. First five, then three, riders were out in front, the German setting the rhythm. He dominated the first ten laps, then fought to the end for the win –eventually finishing third. That put the Japanese GP behind him, gave him his fourth podium in six races with the team and continued his stellar end to the campaign.
Teammate Luca Amato, who started in 30th position, managed to climb to 24th despite suffering from a lack of grip from almost the beginning of the race.
In honour of Ginés Guirado, a friend of the Aspar Team and the entire paddock who passed away yesterday: “The Aspar family will always hold you in our hearts. Thank you for all our time together. RIP”
3rd Jonas Folger:
“Today we had a very tough race. Although the pack split from the start and we were a small group at the head of the race, it was hard to ride in the heat. The asphalt had changed a lot and the tyres didn’t have the same grip as during the rest of the weekend. We also had to adjust our setup to the heat. I think that we should be very happy with our performance this weekend. After dominating practice and qualifying second, my aim was to win. We lead the group, were very competitive and finished third after a very tight race, which is reason enough to be satisfied. Since I joined the MAPFRE Aspar Team we have shown great form and there are still two races remaining, so we have to continue like this until the end of the season.”
24th Luca Amato:
“The race today was very hard, and dragged on for me because of the heat. On the opening three laps I was able to overtake various riders. Afterwards, I noticed that the bike was continually trying to throw me off. I think that it was down to the rear suspension being slightly too soft. Lap after lap I saw the bike step out more and more, which would also have affected tyre performance. Every time that I got on the gas, I felt like I was being thrown off. I rode alone in 24th, concentrating on avoiding crashes and riding steadily to the line. The bike has great potential and I am going to try and find a better feel for it, to improve my pace in the class.”
Mapfre Aspar Moto3 Press Release
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