Xavi Vierge 13th at British Grand Prix, but DNF for Isaac Viñales

Tech3 Racing Team rider Xavi Vierge produced a solid performance today as he concluded the 12th round of the 2016 Moto2 World Championship in 13th aboard the Mistral 610.

The 19-year-old commenced the final day of the British GP by ending the warm up in 5th which left him highly motivated for the 18 lap race. He began from the middle of the sixth row of the grid and leapt into action when the sprint started, before completing the opening lap in 11th. He then quickly set into a formidable rhythm as he remained with the leading pack up until the mid-point.

Vierge carried on but a lack of rear grip caused him to slip back, yet he stayed focused and adapted his riding style in order to try and move back up. The 2015 CEV title runner-up continued to push before eventually speeding across the finish line in 13th. The result closes the weekend positively for the Spanish rider who has recently resigned with the Tech3 Racing Team for the 2017 season.

Meanwhile, Isaac Viñales suffered with bad luck at the Octo British Grand Prix as he fell on the first lap whilst running in 5th position. After an encouraging day in qualifying yesterday, where he clinched a 7th place start for today’s GP, Viñales began the day strongly by setting the second quickest time in the mixed conditions in the morning warm up.

In the main event, when the lights went out, the Spaniard bolted forward and ran with the leading group. However, he crashed shortly afterwards, which marks an unfortunate end to an otherwise positive weekend. Nevertheless, the Spaniard will seek to bounce back at the San Marino GP.

Xavi Vierge
“After today’s result, I can leave the United Kingdom feeling positive and more than satisfied about what we achieved. The weather was not ideal at this event but in every wet session the team and I progressed and I stayed in the top 15 in all of the practices, aside from the qualifying. With regards to the race itself, I am very pleased with my performance. For the first few laps, I stayed with the top group but after a third of the entire distance, the rear tyre grip level dropped and it took me a bit of time to figure out what to do about the lack of grip. However, I adapted my style which allowed me to pick up the pace and I eventually finished in 13th. This is a good result for a dry GP and I am happy for myself and also the team. The guys have worked so hard at every round and whenever they made a step forward with the bike, I have done also. Now, we can go to Misano full of motivation and I am excited about getting back on the track.”

Isaac Viñales
“It’s a big shame that I couldn’t complete the British GP, but these things sometimes happen so we will learn and come back stronger next time. I was riding in 5th and fighting at the front of the field before I fell. I am not injured but it still marks a disappointing end to what was a very positive weekend where I qualified in 7th and ended the warm up in 2nd. Anyway, I hope that we can continue this good momentum at the next round, which is only a few days away. I am feeling confident for Misano and I am determined to finish well there.”

Source: Tech3