A JAPAN GRAND PRIX TO FORGET FOR RODRIGO AND ROSSI
It was already clear in the last few months that this was not going to be Gabriel Rodrigo’s year. The unlucky streak of the Argentine continued in Japan, this time courtesy of Jakub Kornfeil who took him out on the gravel trap at turn four few seconds after the start of the #JapaneseGP.
There is not much more to add to this “non-race” for the #19, apart from the fact that the words by Kornfeil straight after they race were at least out of place (“Gabriel collided with me and we crash” he stated). We will see if the race direction will take any disciplinary action as the incident is currently “under investigation”.
It was another race day to forget for Team Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 as Riccardo Rossi did not shine in his first encounter in the land of the rising sun. The Italian did not manage to stay in Arbolino’s tail (the fellow Italian was starting behind him) and despite a good race pace, he did not manage to finish higher than 21st.
The team will try to turn the page on the disappointing Japanese chapter and focus on the Australian Grand Prix, which will get underway in less than five days at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
DNF – GABRI RODRIGO #19
“There’s not much to say, really: we started the race he right way and after few metres we already gained several positions, but then at turn four Kornfeil literally took me out of contention… We are not managing to get any consistency and in times like this it doesn’t really depend on me. We will stay strong and think about Australia.”
21st– RICCARDO ROSSI #54
“It was a pity because we didn’t get a bad start, but then I must admit that in the first two-three laps I struggled to find my rhythm, I got passed by three KTM riders and they slowed me down. When Masaki and I got up to a decent pace, the big group ahead was already way too far. We must improve in qualifying and in the first laps, but the feeling with the bike was good once again. We will try again in Phillip Island.”
