MARTIN DEFEATS PAIN AND TAKES PODIUM AFTER SUPERB RECOVERY
The smile is back on Jorge Martin’s face as the Spanish rider of Team Del Conca Gresini Moto3 clinches a superb podium finish after an incredible Moto3 race – which he started from thirteenth position on the grid. Right from the start it was clear that Martin had a lot to give as he quickly made his way past his rivals and even found himself in the lead after a few laps into the race.
As the race progressed, both pain and fatigue started to pay their toll, but Jorge was able to draw some extra strength and fend off the many attacks coming first from McPhee and then from wildcard Masia and Loi, with whom he battled for third down the line in an exciting last lap.
Jorge’s tears in Parc Ferme perfectly summarised both the superb effort and the emotions of a boy who in 40 days went from fracturing his ankle to returning on the podium. Now he and the team simply need to wait for the full recovery before aiming even higher. Today’s podium allows Martin to move up to fourth place in the standings – and 32 points away from third-placed Canet.
Ten points away from his team mate in the standings, Fabio Di Giannantonio finished with a solid sixth place, even though the young Italian was expecting to get in the mix for honours today. He nevertheless scored some important points, which have given him some confidence back ahead of Silverstone and, especially, his home GP at Misano.
“It was a difficult race, given the fact that Martin hadn’t been racing the full race distance for a while” says an excstatic Fausto Gresini. “He had the toughest race of his career and his tears of joy showed how much he suffered during the race and how happy he was to be back having fun on the bike. Diggia had a great race too: the previous two races were difficult for him so sixth place is a good result, even though he’s not one who likes to settle for a good result.”
3rd – JORGE MARTIN #88
“It’s a podium, but even though I’m yet to know how it is to be on the top step, this one felt very much like a win. I thought I had the pace to go and get Mir, but the group of riders I was with didn’t allow me to. After all, with only six consecutive laps completed during the weekend, I wasn’t even sure I could finish the race. This is, without a doubt, the best podium of my career.”
6th – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21
“I was expecting more from today, especially with how free practice went. But our pace was good and we did a decent race, which will help us build some confidence for the next one. Too bad for a small mistake with the gearbox setup which compromised our performance a little. I feel good and I’m sure next race we’ll be up there as well.”
