Frenchman just off the podium at British Grand Prix. Jorge Navarro and Maria Herrera DNF after crashes in a difficult race.
The Repsol riders faced tricky conditions at the British Grand Prix. Fabio Quartararo placed best of the trip with fourth place, while Jorge Navarro and Maria Herrera both crashed and were forced to retire from the race.
Morning rainfall at Silverstone had a big effect on the Moto3 contest –especially its early stages. Several riders crashed out on the initial laps, among them Jorge Navarro –who fell at the second corner of the first lap. He was thus unable to take advantage of the form that had given him a first Grand Prix pole position in the qualifying session yesterday.
A few laps later, Maria Herrera met with the same fate. The Repsol rider, who was up in an impressive fourth position, crashed on Lap 6. Although she managed to get back on track, but had to retire due to damage to her bike.
Fabio Quartararo struggled against the elements –and against a foggy visor that severely limited his visibility. The Frenchman was forced to ride most of the race with his visor up, which left him with irritated eyes and hurt his ability to see. He eventually finished in fourth place and was on the verge of a podium position.
Fabio Quartararo, 4th + 50.018 sec.
“It was a very difficult race, because my visor misted up. It was my mistake, because I had never ridden in the cold and rain –and so had never needed a different visor. I now know why it is necessary, because I had to open my visor all the time to see and by the end my eyes hurt a little. I think the position I got is the best I could have aspired to today, because Antonelli was very strong and I could not pass him. I’m happy, because despite the conditions I had a good pace. I want to thank the team because they have done a great job all weekend.”
Jorge Navarro – DNF
“Today’s race was a lottery and we were unlucky, but we’re happy because we had a very good weekend, were strong in every session and I got my first pole. Everyone knows that wet races are difficult and, although in the warm-up I felt comfortable on the bike, in the race Hanika fell in front of me and I touched the brakes lightly, losing the front end. That’s racing and you learn from it. We are improving every day and if we continue like this, the reward will come.”
Maria Herrera – DNF
“It was a shame. I was riding very well and was comfortable, but my foot slipped on the pedal and the bike swerved to where the asphalt was very slippery, causing me to crash. I didn’t get the bike started again until everyone else had overtaken me, and when I got back on track I could tell that the brake was not in good shape, so I had to stop. It was a shame as I was high up the order and had good pace, but nevertheless I’m happy with the weekend we had. Now we have to think about Misano.”
