The Tech 3 Racing Team experienced a day of contrasting fortunes for Danny Kent and Louis Rossi in a shortened Tissot Australian Moto2 Grand Prix at the picturesque Phillip Island track.
This afternoon’s race was run over a reduced distance of just 13-laps after official tyre supplier Dunlop requested a revised format on safety grounds because of tyre endurance concerns on new asphalt at the spectacular 4.4km coastal circuit.
The sprint race started superbly for Rossi, who got a fast start and was quickly able to move into contention for his first points scoring finish since the Dutch TT in Assen.
Rossi has been fast and consistent all weekend on board the Mistral 610 machine, which is designed and developed exclusively by the French-based Tech 3 squad for World Championship competition.
With air temperatures reaching an unusually high 27 degrees, Rossi’s impressive charge through the field took him to 12th position, which put him firmly on course to score a season best finish.
He was confident he could continue moving forward when he tumbled unhurt out at the Siberia right-hand corner on lap six in an incident that was the consequence of a engine issue.
Rossi’s exit out of contention promoted Kent into the top 15 and the British rider enjoyed an exciting fight with compatriot Gino Rea for 13th position, which went right down to the chequered flag.
The 19-year-old was able to hold off the determined challenge of Rea and his reward was a third successive points scoring finish for the first time in the 2013 World Championship campaign.
The Tech 3 Racing Team now heads to Japan for the conclusion of a gruelling three-week world tour before the season ends in Valencia next month.
Danny Kent 13th
“I can’t deny I was quite fortunate to score points today. There were a lot of crashes, people jumping the start and early in the race I was struggling with the pain in my neck and shoulder after the crash on Friday. I got more comfortable once the adrenaline kicked in and I was having a good battle with Gino at the end of the race. It was pretty easy to follow him and with two laps to go I passed him, but when you’re in front the wind blows you around a lot. I just made sure I stayed consistent and I was fast enough to keep him behind me and after a difficult weekend I am happy to be back in the points.”
Louis Rossi
“I am very disappointed because the entire weekend was very positive. We made a good step for the race with the bike and I got a fast start and was catching the group in front. I had just braked for the Siberia turn when I felt the rear wheel lock and I went into the gravel. I couldn’t keep control of the bike and crashed, but fortunately I was unhurt. In the meantime we understood that it was an issue with the engine so it's even more frustrating and a big shame because this has been a very tough season and this weekend I was competitive and improving a lot, so I am sure I could have scored my best result of 2013."
