The best track conditions of the weekend greated the Moto3 riders on race day: Sun, warm temperatures, clear skies and a light breeze for the Aragón GP. The race itself began with one less participant than expected, as Maverick Viñales experienced a mechanical issue on the formation lap and was forced out of action. The battle was fierce once the lights went out, with six lead changes over the duration and no clear dominant force. The fastest lap of the race, set by Danny Kent (2.01.351), was four tenths of a second quicker than yesterday’s pole (Jonas Folger, 2.01.715). Five riders were in with a chance of victory on the final lap, with Luis Salom taking it ahead of Sandro Cortese and Jonas Folger.
MAPFRE Aspar Team rider Jonas Folger had a point to prove after missing out in the podium fight two weeks ago at Misano, just a second off the win. Today in Aragón he was once again in with a shout. Taking off from pole, the German took the lead at the start of the contest, although he was to lose the position and contact with the top group after a mistake under braking. His tenacity put him back in the fight on lap fourteen. After passing Cortese, the series leader took him back on the straight, with Folger coming home in third. This is his third podium from four races with the MAPFRE Aspar Team.
Teammate Luca Amato had a happy conclusión to his first Moto3 World Championship race. He stayed upright and kept his cool to place 20th.
3rd Jonas Folger: “When I saw that I had made a good start, I tried to push hard to escape. However, it wasn’t possible. An enormous lead group was formed and you couldn’t lose focus for a second. I made some mistakes braking and I lost touch with the leaders at one point. Luckily I was able to maintain concentration and join back up with them. It was a very tough race, but I was expecting that. I was able to pass Sandro at the end and slot into second, but he got me back on the straight. Third place is positive, because we are back on the podium. The most important thing is the great job that the team are doing, which is making us more competitive with every session. I want to thank the MAPFRE Aspar Team and Kalex for all their efforts.”
20th Luca Amato: “The race went well, despite our feeling with the bike not being perfect. It is clear that everything is new for me and I need more races to get used to this bike. The Kalex/KTM is very different to the bike that I usually ride in the CEV. I placed twentieth, had a few problems with stability on the chicanes but had an engine that worked perfectly –it was very fast. I am very happy with this opportunity and to have finished my first World Championship race. I want to thank the sponsors and the team for this chance and I hope to continue learning in the next few races.”
Mapfre Aspar Moto3 Press Release
You can give your opinion on our Facebook page here
Get the latest update on our Twitter page here
