The Del Conca Gresini team has something to rejoice in Moto3 after this first Grand Prix of the season in Qatar: each of its drivers knew how to manage their race, one leading it almost from start to finish and winning it, and the other by making a splendid ascent. Here are the statements of Jorge Martín and Fabio Di Giannantonio after their return to the box.
Since his first victory in Valencia last November, and the departure of Joan Mir and Romano Fenati in Moto2, Jorge Martín is advertised as one of the contenders for the 2018 title, even as the big favorite against Enea Bastianini and Arón Canet.
Despite a fall during the Warm Up, number 88 had no doubts and confirmed his status as the strong man of the championship by quickly taking the lead of the race and managing his first place: “It was a difficult day since it started with a fall this morning. Then I started the race hard for ten laps, but when it was just Canet and I fighting for victory, I preferred to slow down a little in order to save my tires for the end of the race. »
If the two drivers seemed to have a strategy to win, it was ultimately Martín's that worked: “I realized that I was a little behind Canet in the penultimate corner, so I used him for the last lap. It's important to win the first race, it gives you confidence. We hope to continue fighting for the top positions at the next Grands Prix. »
For his part, his teammate Fabio DiGiannantonio did not have an easy race, but was able to set a good pace to move up from sixteenth to sixth place: “We had a great race, but it was complicated and very competitive... which is normal when you start from so far away. Unfortunately there was also a fall in the middle of the pack which made me lose precious seconds compared to those who were fighting for the podium. »
The Italian knows his capabilities as well as those of his bike, and therefore does not return satisfied from Qatar: “We finished with the first ones, but it's not enough. The bike was perfect, I thank the team for their fantastic work. We hope to make up for it in Argentina. »
