As a prelude to this Japanese Moto2 Grand Prix, we wrote that the fight between the two main protagonists for the title was going to be played on the mind.
And, recently, Alex Rins had impressed in this area, reducing Johann Zarco's advantage to almost zero despite a collarbone injury...
The tension was therefore at its maximum, and if proof was needed, the refusal of the French driver to speak to the media on the starting grid is proof.
Well, he got it, because if anyone fell for it this weekend, his name is Alex Rins; inconsistent in FP1, fell in FP2 on his injured collarbone and fell due to excessive haste during the first lap of the race.
Overall, 20 points collected by the Ajo driver for his 8th podium of the season which, if they do not yet guarantee him a second title, still provide a real breath of fresh air with three rounds to go! And we can trust the future Yamaha Tech3 rider to keep his concentration and not get carried away too quickly…
Johann zarco: “I lost a few places at the start of the race and I couldn't go at a good pace, but I was using different tires than my rivals and I improved as the race went on. Although I made a few mistakes, I was able to get on the podium. I was hoping to catch Tom [Luthi] in the last minutes, but it was too difficult because he had a very good pace throughout the race. I'm calm because we achieved the goal we set for this race, which was to finish on the podium. In addition, Alex Rins struggled this weekend, and this allowed us to increase our lead in the World Championship. »
Aki Ajo – Team Principal: “It was a perfect race. I can't say anything else. Usually we say it's perfect when we win the race, but this time I have to say it for this result. Johann [Zarco] analyzed the last laps well; he could have tried to fight for victory, but it was very risky to do so with worn tires. I am very happy that he was very mature and added 20 important points to his total this time. »
Race results:
1. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 42:45.854
2. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) +0.386
3. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) +5.863
4. Takaaki Nakagami (Kalex) +6.090
5. Sandro Cortese (Kalex) +16.246
2 Moto2016 World Championship standings
1. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) 222 points
2. Alex Rins (Kalex) 201 points
3. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 179 points
4. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 162 points
5. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 157 points
