Losail, Qatar – March 20, 2016: The first race of the Moto2 season was somewhat demoralizing for the two Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS riders, Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez.
Confident of shining on the Losail circuit for the opening of the championship, the two men saw their hopes disappear in curious circumstances.
The start of this Qatar Grand Prix was indeed chaotic, with nine top drivers anticipating the lights going out. Among them, Morbidelli immediately moved into third position from fifth place on the grid. Classified second at the checkered flag, 0,047 seconds behind winner Thomas Lüthi, Morbidelli received a twenty-second penalty.
After a superb performance aboard the Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS bike, Morbidelli was finally classified seventh, 20,047 seconds behind the winner.
Marquez was also a victim of the confusion at the start. Unfocused, he went from 13th to 29th place on the first lap. The former Moto3 world champion then suffered a crash on the 7th lap, starting the season with a cruel disappointment.
Franco Morbidelli: 7st
“I had a great race, fighting for victory throughout and leading the race for nine laps. I'm really happy with my debut with new team. Unfortunately, I had a problem initially. Several drivers have moved, and in these cases, the reflex is to do the same thing. That's what happened. I'm sorry, but you have to look at the positive. I rode fast, I fought for victory… It's encouraging for the next race in Argentina. »
Alex Marquez: DNF
“It wasn't the best start I could have had, I made a mistake and I crashed. I'm sorry for the team. There was a lot of confusion on the grid and I lost concentration when several drivers in front of me anticipated the start. We now have to turn to Argentina, I am 100% motivated to go there and do a good job on a circuit that I really like. »
Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“Franco had a fantastic race, leading more than any other driver. This performance alone justifies his recruitment into our team. Nine professional drivers, and not only Franco, anticipated the start in a strange situation and we will have to analyze this in detail. For Alex, the disappointment is of course great. He went off the track and fell even though he was capable of a good result. »
