THAILAND GRAND PRIX REPORT

 In Moto3

Thai Grand Prix Moto3 Race

The Moto 3 riders arrived in Thailand for the season-opening Grand Prix. After one day of testing in Portugal and three in Spain, our riders faced the extreme heat of Buriram. The weekend saw dry conditions and high track temperatures, which reached over 50 degrees during Sunday’s race.

During the Friday’s first Free Practice, Eddie set the 22nd fastest time (01:42.605) and Marcos the 23rd. Following the afternoon, Marcos made a step forward setting a best time of 01:42.337, although it was not enough to qualify directly for Q2. Eddie was unable to go out on track due to an electrical problem with his bike.

Saturday started with the second Free Practice, where our riders had the opportunity to ride a few more laps and obtain as much information as possible for the Q1 in the afternoon. During Q1, Eddie showed very good pace and managed to qualify for Q2 for the first time after being fourth fastest in Q1. Marcos ended the session in 12th place.

Sunday was a bittersweet day for us. Eddie, started from the 18th place and had a very good start, but got caught up in another rider’s crash and crashed at turn 12, failing to complete the first lap. On the other hand, Marcos, starting from 26th place, managed to finish the race in 13th place and took his first three points of the season.

EDDIE O’SHEA: To be tangled up in another rider’s crash was disappointing as a good result was on the table, but these things happen. We are already focused on Argentina in two weeks time.

Eddie O’Shea during the Thai GP

O’Shea during the Thai GP

MARCOS URIARTE: We were able to take the first points of the season, and we gained experience by completing the race. Now, we have to continue working and improving to get closer to the top positions. We will give our 100% again in Argentina.

Marcos Uriarte during the Thai GP

Uriarte during the Thai GP

JORDAN PRITCHARD (team coordinator): Overall, it has been a positive weekend.  We are happy to get three points for the team with Marcos. We need to work on him adapting to the bike, and also the bike adapting to the way he rides. We know a few areas that we can improve on, between now and Argentina. As with Eddie, his pace was impressive considering he missed a session on Friday afternoon. If he had not been taken out at the start, he would probably have ended up with a top 10.

The next round will take place in Termas de Río Hondo, Argentina. There, our riders will try their luck again.