Repsol Honda Team rider takes podium in sensational race in front of home fans. Marc Marquez crashes on Lap 2 when in second place.
The Aragon Grand Prix left the Repsol Honda team with mixed feelings on Sunday. Dani Pedrosa enjoyed the satisfaction of a hard-fought second position, holding off World Championship leader Valentino Rossi in a fierce battle. However, a mistake by Marc Marquez on the second lap when he was up in second place resulted in his fifth crash of the season, while trying to keep up with eventual racewinner Jorge Lorenzo.
Marquez was third out of the opening corner of the race, behind Lorenzo and Iannone, with Pedrosa fifth. Before the second sector both had moved up a position, but the work of the reigning World Champion to keep on Lorenzo’s tail ended on the second lap, when a mistake braking at Turn 12 put an end to his participation in the Aragon GP.
Lorenzo escaped alone for victory, and the excitement in the race was provided by Pedrosa and Rossi. The Repsol Honda rider held onto second throughout the race, with the Italian on his rear wheel waiting to make a move on the final laps. Rossi tried to pass on several occasions, but was unable to make it stick and a resilient Pedrosa held firm for second place.
The World Championship now heads to Asia for a run of three consecutive race weekends, starting in a fortnight, across Japan, Australia and Malaysia.
Marc Marquez >> Audio
“Today I can only apologise to the team and the fans, because we were working very well and we had a very good pace all weekend. On the second lap, when braking for Turn 12, I made a mistake and lost the front. It was my fault and I apologise. When a season is not going well for you, then nothing goes your way, and it seems that this season we are finding things hard. There are still four races to go and we will try to be at the front and fight to the end.”
Dani Pedrosa >> Audio
2nd, at 2.683 sec.
“I’m really happy as it was a great race with Valentino! It was difficult, because I had him on my tail every lap and during the last five he tried to pass me, but I managed to stay in front of him. He is a rider who is very strong in this part of racing, and can usually beat anyone on the grid –and for me it is one of my weaker points. However, today I was able to beat him and I’m so happy because during the battle we swapped positions many times which gives me great motivation. I want to thank the entire Repsol Honda team and we will try to be stronger at the next race!”
