The Estoril circuit, in Portugal, was the scene of the first races of the season, that have been affected by the rain.
Barry Baltus dominated in Estoril and won his first race in the Moto3 category, ahead of the Spanish riders Artigas and García. The young Belgian has won in his race debut, dominating the race firmly despite the complicated conditions at the Estoril track.
The Spanish rider Ortolá took victory in both races of the European Talent Cup, the first after an exciting duel under the rain with the British rider Seabright, and the second in mixed conditions.
Niki Tuuli was able to win in Moto2’s first race, with the Spaniard Edgar Pons and Malaysian Ramdan Rosli completing the podium.
Italian Alessandro Zaccone took his first win in Moto2 after securing the second race, held with the tarmac nearly dry, with Nikki Tuuli and Edgar Pons again on the podium.
After the five races held in Estoril, Baltus, in Moto3, Tuuli, in Moto2, and Ortolá, in the European Talent Cup, lead their respective overall standings. The next round of the FIM CEV Repsol will take place on April 28th at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo.
BARRY BALTUS – MOTO3 RACE WINNER
“It was a good debut, although I made some mistakes and my rivals put a lot of pressure during the last laps. It’s amazing to win my first race in the category and also with my new team “.
NIKI TUULI – MOTO2 FIRST RACE WINNER
“Naturally, I’m very happy with this first race with team Stylobike. During the whole weekend, under the rain, my pace has been really good. Right now, the level of this championship is high – even on wet tarmac. My main aim during the race was following Montella and concentrate on doing my own race, finishing at all costs, that is why I didn’t take any risks. Probably he did push too hard and I saw him crash. It’s a very good start of the championship, we need to finish each and every one of the races”.
ALESSANDRO ZACCONE – MOTO2 SECOND RACE WINNER
“I’m lost for words to describe what I feel right now, it’s incredible. I simply want to thank everyone: my sponsors, my team, my family and everyone that has helped me being here today. It’s an indescribable feeling, we start the season in the best way possible”.
IVÁN ORTOLÁ – WINNER OF THE FIRST RACE OF THE EUROPEAN TALENT CUP
“It was a very difficult race, as in the beginning I was able to escape, but after a few laps Seabright cut my advantage steadily until he caught up with me. I want to thank my family, my team and my sponsors”.
IVÁN ORTOLÁ – EUROPEAN TALENT CUP SECOND RACE WINNER
“It’s incredible to achieve two wins in the first round of the season, I’m very happy. The race was complicated, as many of us alternated in the lead, but in the end, I was able to win. I want to thank my team, my family, my sponsors and everyone that supports me”.
