MOTEGI TO HOST FIRST OF THREE FLYAWAY EVENTS FOR TEAM DEL CONCA GRESINI MOTO3
Since 2006, the last part of the MotoGP World Championship season has been characterised by a three-GP flyaway tour, and this year’s edition looks very promising on paper for the riders of Team Del Conca Gresini Moto3, who arrive at Twin Ring Motegi with clear goals and hopes.
With a very similar situation in the standings – they are fourth and fifth and separated by only three points – Fabio Di Giannantonio and Jorge Martin are travelling to Motegi with high motivations and expectations. The Italian rider is looking forward to trying and keep the momentum going after getting onto the podium in the last two races, while the goal for the number 88 is to transform this year’s consistently-excellent qualifying performance into a long-awaited maiden World Championship race win.
Both sides of the garage are aware that it is possible to do well at each circuit of the calendar – and that Motegi will not be an exception. Di Giannantonio was fifth at the end of last year’s race – after starting from 19th place on the grid – and Martin was quick despite an injured leg.
Moto3 action will get underway at 9:00 local time (GMT +9) with the first free practice of the Japanese GP, while FP2 will begin later in the day at 13:10.
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21
“We finished the last two races on the podium so we are charged up and motivated. We know we can do well on very different circuits and conditions – as it’s been for the last two races. Anything can happen in Japan: last year we were fifth at the line and then fourth because of Ono being disqualified, so I’m ready. The three flyaway races are always tough and it won’t be easy – but we’re leaving Europe with the right mindset and we’ll see what happens.”
JORGE MARTIN #88
“We go to Japan with the motivation to do well. I trained very hard during the last days and I lost a bit of weight, too, so I think we are ready for it. It’s not an easy part of the year with three races in a row, but I cannot wait to get to Motegi, join the team again and do well. To be winning my first race before the end of the season would be a very important thing ahead of 2018 and I’ve done well at Motegi last year – despite injuring my leg quite badly.