Alexis Masbou (Caretta Technology – Honda) earned his first podium in the Moto3 race, and very nearly his first win, in his 103rd grand prix. Instead he came second at .635s to Sandro Cortese (KTM), the German rider who scored a popular home win.
Both Masbou and his team-mate Jack Miller led the race at different points, Miller from laps two through 15, as the wet track was rapidly drying, and Masbou lap 16 and laps 22 and 23. Masbou then lost the lead to Cortese who went on to victory. Masbou was second with Miller missing out on his first podium by .053s, but still finishing a career best fourth. Masbou’s previous best finish this season was fourth at Silverstone, Miller’s previous best was 15th in Catalunya.
Alexis Masbou, Caretta Technology – Honda: 2nd
“It was incredible, it was incredible to fight for the first place with Sandro (Cortese) on the last lap. But my weekend was very difficult. On the first day we had some problem with the bike and my bike was on fire on the box. It was incredible. After the team do fantastic job to improve the bike every practice and already yesterday I feel really good in qualifying practice and the rain. And when I see the rain arrive on the grid, I say, oh, now we need to stay focused to do a good race, stay focused for 27 laps. And the ten first laps were very difficult because the bike slides a lot and a lot of water on track, and I say, oh, we need to stay on the bike, we need to take points. And after when the track starts to be dry I say, oh, I feel very good, I can push. And I was behind Sandro and right after I passed Sandro I tried to come back on the first loop. But he was very, very fast after the first loop, was very strange for me to pass every rider like this. And after, OK, I try to stay focused, stay in front of the group. It was very good to ride with Sandro because we have a good rhythm to stay in front and to do regular laps. And, OK, at the end was very difficult to follow Sandro. He push a lot and he brake very late. I feel very good on the bike, but he was too tough for me on the three last laps, and, OK, he won his home grand prix. OK, second place for me is good, first podium and now I am focused on the next race already.”
Jack Miller, Caretta Technology – Honda: 4th
“Today was a difficult race, but also a good one. I had many fights and learned a lot, but we still must work on the dry settings. I want to say a big thank you to the team for working so hard on what was a very difficult weekend weather-wise.”
Caretta Technology Honda Press Release
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