Resounding second consecutive victory for Alex Marquez and great second place for still-injured Alex Rins. Both riders now close to series leader.
A first podium double for Alex Marquez and Alex Rins came at the best possible time, as title rivals Jack Miller and Romano Fenati crashed at the Dutch TT. A win for Marquez and second place for Rins brought the Repsol riders closer to the head of the overall standings in the Moto3 class. Marquez is now 7 points behind Miller and third in the standings, with Rins fourth and 10 points off the top.
The race began with Miller leading the group and pushing hard. The Australian crashed on Lap 2, leaving Marquez in the lead and pushing to extend his advantage to as much as 3 seconds.
Behind him, Rins was also able to escape from the group and managed to reel Marquez in after his teammate made a mistake on the brakes. The duo rode together until Rins made an error of his own and lost touch. That was when Marquez broke free and took his second consecutive win. Rins battled with Miguel Oliveira, who caught up with him by himself, and waited behind the Portuguese until the entry to the chicane before the straight. Rins took second, despite still suffering from an injury to his left foot.
After this double, the Repsol riders will enjoy a well-deserved rest ahead of the next race, which takes place in a fortnight’s time in Germany.
Alex Rins >> Audio
2nd to 2.960 sec.
“This second place somewhat offsets all that we suffered this weekend; I am very happy. In the race, when I was behind Alex [Marquez] and he ran off the track I was able to catch him, but I could not follow him because I started to make mistakes –partly because the pain in my foot prevented me from concentrating fully. Later, when Miguel Oliveira passed me, I focused on studying his lines and finally I was able to pass him.”
Alex Marquez >> Audio
1st – 38:07.648
“I am very happy to get a second straight win. It was a very strange race and I had a hard time from the beginning, because the track conditions had changed a lot from yesterday. On the early laps I was not entirely comfortable and there was a risk of crashing. I had a scare on the first lap, because it was very windy and the wind was lifting the bike up. I made a mistake and was caught by Alex [Rins]. From mid-race onwards I improved and at the end I felt very comfortable. I knew I could keep up the pace that we had and, when I saw that I was breaking away, I tried to stay focused. I’m also happy for the team and for Honda, because they are doing a great job.”
