Junior Talent Team reload for CEV Repsol Round 2 in Portimao

The iconic Circuito do Estoril welcomed back two-wheeled track action in style on Tuesday 7th July, and the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship race saw some encouraging pace for the Junior Talent Team. Now it’s time to saddle up once again as Round 2 sees the FIM CEV Repsol head for the Autodromo do Algarve in Portimão from the 12th to the 13th of July.

Max Cook put in one of his most impressive performances to date in Round 1, initially in the second group on track before proving able to pull himself into no man’s land and then using the clear air to cut the gap to the front group. Once there, he stayed clear of any trouble and took his best ever Moto3™ JWCh result in a stunning seventh to start the season in style. He’ll be pushing for more of the same round the rollercoaster of Portimão.

Next up over the line for the JTT in Estoril was an awesome performance from rookie Takuma Matsuyama. The Japanese rider made good progress up from his grid position in his first appearance, and he took the flag in an amazing ninth – opening his points account and only hundredths off P8 for good measure. Next up it’s another new challenge in Portimão, but as foundations go he’s made some impressively solid ones heading into Round 2 and will be aiming for points once again.

Billy Van Eerde had a solid start to his first race at Estoril – having missed the round in 2019 due to injury – before the Australian sadly crashed out. He’ll be looking to open his account in Portimão and reset after some encouraging progress in testing and the first race event of the season. Scott Ogden was another who crashed out, and when on course for his best finish and first points. The Brit’s crash – at the same place and time as two other riders in the push for glory – left him without reward for his pace but he’ll be looking to replicate his speed and once again scrap it out for points in the second race in Portugal.

Mario Aji and Tatchakorn Buasri will unfortunately not be present at Portimão due to travel complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but will be cheering on their teammates from home in Indonesia and Thailand, respectively.

It’s one race for the Moto3™ class once again at the Autodromo do Algarve, with the lights out at 13:00 (GMT +1) on Monday the 13th of July.