BRILLIANT DOUBLE PODIUM FOR TEAM DEL CONCA GRESINI MOTO3 IN TEXAS
The third Moto3 Grand Prix of the year has drawn to a close at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, with Team Del Conca Gresini’s Jorge Martin and Fabio Di Giannantonio on the podium in second and third, respectively, at the end of the 12-lap sprint race. Courtesy of his so-far best result of the season, Martin narrows the gap to the top of the standings to only six points, while Di Giannantonio’s first rostrum finish of the year is a boost of fresh confidence for the Italian rider.
The initial race was stopped on lap 3 due to the crash occurred to Japan’s Kaito Toba. At the restart, Di Giannantonio got an amazing launch off the grid and was third in the opening stages of the race, while Martin was not too far in fifth. The two riders put up a battle with several other opponents and, in the final lap, they headed the group fighting for second place. At the last corner, Di Giannantonio tried to make the final move to his team mate but Martin was able to get a better drive out and cross the line in second place, with “Diggia” completing the podium.
This third consecutive podium is so-far the most important of 2017 for Martin, who managed to finish ahead of both championship leader Joan Mir (8th) and former second-placed rider John McPhee (7th); by doing so, the 18-year-old Spaniard has moved up one place in the title race, while Di Giannantonio lies now 6th in the standings.
Fausto Gresini is obviously very pleased with today’s result. “The last time we had a double podium was 2004 and to be doing that in America has a special taste” says the team manager and former double world champion. “It was a difficult race: I can’t recall the last time I was so nervous! A big thank you goes to the team and the riders who did an incredible job. Now we need to continue this way!”
The fourth race of the year will take place on Martin’s home soil, as the Moto3 World Championship will race at Jerez de la Frontera on May 7th.
2nd -JORGE MARTIN #88
“I was feeling good, maybe a bit less in the second race as the bike was sliding a bit more and that led to some moments that I had to save. I felt I could race at the front, I was fast although I was still not 100% under braking. We take this second place and the win will come soon, but right now it’s important to be consistent. When Canet crashed I thought I could catch Fenati, but he had an incredible place. I say it again: the win will come.”
3rd – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21
“This podium is what I needed after the difficult start of the season: in Qatar I was far from the top positions while in Argetina it was a disaster, so here the goal was to push 100% and get a great result. I was really riding at the limit and beyond, and in the end I tried to pass my team mate for second but it was a little too late for that. It was really important for to get this result not just for me, but also for the guys and all the team.”
