TITLE RACE CONTINUES FOR TEAM DEL CONCA GRESINI MOTO3 AT MOTEGI
The toughest part of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship is about to begin and Team Del Conca Gresini have arrived in Motegi to continue their world title chase. Both Jorge Martin – the current championship leader with 204 points – and a Fabio Di Giannantonio on great form after the win at Buriram – he is sitting in third 29 points behind his team mate – are well in contention for the ultimate prize. Despite other four riders still mathematically within a shot of the title, currently second-placed Bezzecchi appears to be the only one potentially able to threaten Gresini’s chances of gold this year.
The upcoming three weeks will be very busy and intense, with the Japanese Grand Prix followed by two back-to-back events at Phillip Island and Sepang – but both riders are feeling good and motivated. There are all smiles on the Spanish side of the garage given the constant improving of Martin’s hand, while the #21 will try to build on the emotional win of two weekends ago to try and repeat himself on Japanese soil.
With almost 5km of length and at least four long straights, this might not be the most favourable track for the standard bearers of Team Del Conca Gresini Moto3, who are both looking for their first podium at this venue. The attack to the podium positions at Motegi will begin at 9am local time (GMT +9) with the first free practice session.
JORGE MARTIN #88
“Motegi is a track I like and where I’ve always done well. It’s also true that last year in wet conditions we struggled to find the right set-up and didn’t do as good as we’d hoped. We are entering this round as leaders and we are very motivated: we have found what we were missing on the straight and even if KTMs still have an edge under acceleration, we feel we’re ready. We will stay close to Bezzecchi and try to extend our lead.”
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21
“This is going to be a tough trip: we need to score a lot of points at all three venues, which I can’t say I really did in the past. We are super motivated after the win in Thailand, though. We are not going to be the favourites because it’s a track with many straights and that’s where I suffer the most, but I think that with a good base set-up we can battle for the podium, if not for the win. Japan has a very unique atmosphere and it’s always nice to race there; there are many fans and great crowds so I can’t wait.
