Dominant first Moto2 victory for Jorge Martin in Austria as Nagashima crashes out

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team rounded off a great weekend with a first victory for Jorge Martin at the Austrian Grand Prix. The Spaniard was unmatched in the race, which was restarted over 13 laps after a red flag. The win is Martin’s ninth of his Grand Prix career, and opens his account in the intermediate class. Tetsuta Nagashima had a tough Sunday and, after the contest resumed, suffered a crash at Turn 1 that prevented him from finishing.

Jorge Martin made a great start from the front row, slotting into the lead. By the time the race was red-flagged on Lap 3, the Spaniard had already pulled away from the pack. When the contest got back underway, at a reduced length of 13 laps, Martin took the holeshot and would not be overtaken right through to the chequered flag. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider achieved his first victory in Moto2, more than 2 seconds ahead of his nearest rival at the finish line.

Tetsuta Nagashima gained two grid positions after the red flag, moving up into 16th. The Japanese rider kept his place on the first corner, pushing hard from the restart in order to gain positions early in the shortened race. Unfortunately, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider crashed at Turn 1 as he commenced the second lap, with no chance of re-joining the contest.

Jorge Martin is now 3rd in the Moto2 World Championship standings with 59 points, whilst Tetsuta Nagashima is 5th with 55 points. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo will return to the Red Bull Ring in a few days’ time to compete in the Styrian Grand Prix, the last round of the summer triple-header, from August 21st-23rd.

JORGE MARTIN

“I’m very happy with how this weekend went. After many races, we are finally back on top of the podium. It was a tricky contest, as we had to stop for the red flag and repeat the start after waiting around for a while. I am satisfied with our performance throughout this Grand Prix. We must continue in this same way, taking continuous steps forward, and be prepared for another round next weekend.”

TETSUTA NAGASHIMA

“Overall, it was a tough weekend for me, as I suffered a lot of crashes. I felt very good at the beginning of the race, but I was unlucky. We have to change our mentality and try to face the next Grand Prix with more calm. We have to reset and we will go again next Sunday; fortunately, we have a new opportunity at this track.”