Catalan GP Report

Last weekend we raced around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and Sunday’s Moto3 race was certainly one to remember. It was clear from Friday morning’s running that everyone was faster than last year, but an iffy forecast for this weekend brought with it the threat of rain.

A circuit familiar to all the riders, meant a tight field but both boys were ready for the fight. Josh Whatley’s best posted laptime was only 2 seconds off the top time as he ended the day in 26th position. Scott Ogden had a better day in the saddle and placed 15th. As a marker for how close the field is in Moto3, this laptime was only one second away from the top time.

This Saturday was a special one for Josh Whatley, he was lucky enough to celebrate his 18th birthday on track. Before the celebrations could properly begin though, he faced some challenges in the first qualifying session. He couldn’t find any more pace than 28th on the grid. Ogden picked where he ended Friday and graduated the session and took his spot on the grid in 16th place.

Sundays are for racing, and the team was ready to see their hard work pay off but the especially close pack was on display on race-day. For most of the race the entire grid was one scrapping pack. After 18 laps of hard racing Scott Ogden flew by the checkered in 15th place. He was unfortunate to be forced to drop a place for a track limits infringement but he finished the race only 6 seconds after the race ended. Whatley did his best to fight among the pack and crossed the line in 23rd place.

The weekend was one we learned lots from. This team left Catalunya stronger than we arrived. This extra motivation should see things swing our way in Misano. We look forward to the next race in San Marino this weekend.