Simon takes 3rd in chaotic Moto2 race

Moto2 has already provided some memorable races in it’s short time on the MotoGP calendar, with its close racing and extensive talent pool. With these two positives comes a problem, however, in that at times overcrowding is a real problem on the opening corners of a race. That is what happened -almost inevitably- at Montmeló on Sunday afternoon in the Moto2 Catalonian Grand Prix, as nearly 40 riders into 1 corner equaled a mass crash. Five riders went down on the first turn, and the repercussions continued in the post-crash melee. With the yellow flags shown, Andrea Iannone broke the rules of overtaking with a pass on the action-packed turn. Having not realised his mistake -punishable by a demotion in positions- Iannone continued to navigate the circuit as race leader. After numerous attempts by his crew to communicate the situation. Iannone was brought in for a ride-through penalty and Yuki Takahashi took over up front. He won the race, followed by Thomas Luthi and Julián Simón. Sixteen riders who started the race did not reach the chequered flag.

Of the Mapfre Aspar riders, Julián Simón had the best day. With a point to prove after a mistake in last year’s 125cc race at the Montmeló circuit that cost him the win, the Spaniard went all-out for glory on Sunday afternoon. He was able to place on the podium after a tough battle with Thomas Luthi.

3rd Julián Simón: “I haven’t seen what happened at the beginning of the race, but I consider myself lucky to not have been involved in the first corner crash. I was very focused on not losing positions from the start, because that is something that has been a problem for the past two races. I was aggressive on the opening laps, knowing that I had to take advantage of a good pace on fresh tyres. I made a couple of mistakes and let Iannone and Takahashi get away, so from then on I stuck on Luthi’s back tyre and waited for a last lap move. The end of the race was when I was waiting for him to leave an opening, but he was on it and I was left sliding around on worn tyres. I am very happy to have finished third here in Barcelona, after having made a silly mistake last year to miss out on a win. The next race is at a circuit that I love, so I’m very happy.”

Source: Team Aspar