#SPANISHGP: MARTIN HIT AND SUNK AS DIGGIA IS ONLY SEVENTH
It was not the Sunday many would have imagined for Team Del Conca Gresini Moto3, especially after yesterday’s strong performance in qualifying for Jorge Martin (pole) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (3rd place).
The Italian rider had a very difficult race as he struggled on the straight, which made it hard to defend his position each time he crossed the finish line. A pity for Di Giannantonio, who had a great start and during the previous two days showed a great race pace. His seventh place was earned at the finish line, and it surely was not something to cheer about.
Jorge Martin was even less happy than his team mate: the young Spanish rider, who was among the protagonists of this weekend, was eliminated from the race with four laps to go by a reckless mistake – if that is the way to call it – from Canet, who came in very hot at turn 6 to take out Martin, Bastianini and Arbolino. It will be interesting to see if the Race Direction will take any disciplinary measure towards Canet and what it will eventually be.
With post-race x-rays showing no relevant injuries – although a CAT scan is still needed – Jorge Martin will now get ready for the next round on the calendar, which take place at Le Mans in a fortnight’s time. Hopefully Martin but surely Di Giannantonio will be on track in a few days for a private test at Motorland Aragón (May 9-10)
7th– FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21
“This could have been a win, no doubt. The bike was perfect and things were going as they should. Unfortunately, what I was gaining in the mixed section I systematically lost on the straight, as everyone got past me. Despite giving 120% during the whole race and even something more in the final stages, I had neither a good race nor a good result. Seventh place is not where we should be: now we need to know what happened, but fortunately there’s test very soon because there’s work to do.”
DNF – JORGE MARTIN #88
“It has been a very positive weekend for us: were were consistently at the front, and after yesterday’s pole we were doing the type of race we wanted. I felt good, I tried to pull away in the early stages but it was very hot and I preferred to save tyres and try to attack in the final laps. Unfortunately, Canet’s manoeuvre has ruined our race. It’s not the first time that he does something like that, so I believe some measures are necessary. My hands hurt but fortunately nothing is broken, so we’ll see if we can take part in the Aragón test this Wednesday and Thursday, otherwise we’ll be back on the bike at Le Mans.”