Excellent 5th place for Albert Arenas in Jerez comeback, DNF for Raul Fernandez

Nicolò Antonelli and Tatsuki Suzuki already gave a warning of what they were capable of at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in free practice on Friday and in today’s race they backed up their early pace with a team one-two, the Italian taking victory after a hectic race of up to sixteen riders in the front group. Italian rookie Celestino Vietti completed the podium, with Aron Canet and Sama Qatar Ángel Nieto Team rider Albert Arenas rounding out the top five in the Moto3 race. Jaume Masiá, who led the series coming into this round, crashed out.

Albert Arenas made a stunning return to action after missing the last two races through injury. The Sama Qatar Ángel Nieto Team rider finished fifth in the Spanish Grand Prix, making up more than ten positions after dropping back to sixteenth when he touched with another rider on the opening lap. Arenas pushed to the limit to return to the fight at the front at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, eventually crossing the line just half a second behind the winner. His teammate Raúl Fernández was running eighth with four laps to go when he took first gear in turn six and crashed as the bike locked up. The Spaniard suffered a non-displaced fracture to the third metatarsal on his left foot.

5th Albert Arenas:
“Today was a tough race because I went backwards on the first lap after some contact with Rodrigo. It was tough to come back but I tried my best. It is just a shame that when I got to the group my tyres were spent. I am happy with fifth place though, after a month without riding and a very tough period for me. I want to thanks and happy mothers’ day to all the mums out there, especially mine, because it is thanks to them that we are all here.”

Raúl Fernández (DNF):
“It was a difficult race, I was losing a lot of time in the fast corners and had to push hard to make it up in the slow ones. I’m sorry for what happened – I hit first gear and the bike locked up and I took Sergio García down with me. I want to apologise to him because an incident like this always feels bad. Now we work hard for the next race in France.”