Magnificent win for John McPhee in Misano

 In Moto3, News

A tactical masterclass from John McPhee saw him claim Moto3 victory at the San Marino GP, after starting from 17th on the grid, to close in on the leader in the championship standings. Team-mate KIP finished 21st on his racing return.

A good start saw McPhee move into 11th on the first lap. Biding his time in the main field, the Scot started to move himself into podium contention in the closing stages of the race. After a brief stint in the lead with three laps to go, John ignored the battling bikes around him to take his first win since Le Mans last year. McPhee has now reduced his deficit in the championship standings to 14 points.

Meanwhile returning team-mate KIP had a solid race aboard his Honda NSF250RW. The Malaysian, who competed in his first race since surgery on his finger and is still adapting to his bike again, continued to improve his pace and regain confidence. After a strong end to the race, KIP crossed the line 21st.

Round eight of the Moto3 championship will get underway for the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto3 riders in only a few days’ time (18-20 September), which will also be held at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

John McPhee
1st (39’48.952)

I’m over the moon! It’s a dream come true to be on the top step here after the last race and all the problems there. I tried to set all my times on my own on Friday and then I completely let the team down in qualifying, by having a crash right at the start. That race just couldn’t have gone any better for me though: it went perfectly to plan and I felt so strong. I knew it would be hard to make my way through, but on the first lap I was already up to P11 so I just tried to keep calm and creep my way forward. I found myself back in 14th so I just tried to mount a charge to see what happened. On that last lap I felt really strong, so I knew I could pass one or two guys in the last few corners if I needed. I just want to say a massive thank you to the team; I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s still early days in the championship, it’s good to close the gap but let’s see what happens next weekend.

Khairul Idham Pawi
21st (+18.331)

It has been good being back racing again. I have been able to improve my lap time day by day and also again today. It still isn’t enough, but after missing the races and having the surgery I know I need time to get the feeling back. I’m happy that I have been able to improve. The hand still feels a little strange, but I’m sure that will get better as it hasn’t been that long since the surgery. With the next race here at the same circuit, I think we will do even better next weekend.

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