First Moto2 points for Julian Simon

Moto2 offered a two-for-one deal at Jerez on Sunday afternoon, with the second race of the new class split into two parts after an early incident. The first section lasted two laps, and a restart was necessary after Shoya Tomizawa hit the deck at Dry Sack and left an oil slick on the asphalt. The accident also left eight other riders on the ground, and forced the red flag to come out. Due to the early stoppage, the riders returned to the grid for part two, which took place at 12.45pm local time. Sixteen laps would decide the race winner, and every one of them was spectacular. Seven riders broke free, with Toni Elías taking the chequered flag for a home win.

Mapfre Aspar rider Julián Simón was one of those caught up in the big crash at the start of the race, but luckily no damage was inflicted to his RSV and he was able to take the restart. An early push out of the blocks put him amongst the leaders, but grip problems continued to plague him and he gradually lost ground and positions. With tremendous force of will, Simón held on at the back of the lead group and was able to finish the race in eighth, taking his first Moto2 points of the season.

8th Julián Simón: “It really was very difficult to ride in the lead group, as all the riders were at the limit and it would have been easy to fall. I am happy because I was able to finish a Moto2 race for the first time and get my first points. The performance of the RSV was good, but we can’t be content with this result, we have to analyse the data and improve even more. I have got better at my starts, which is something that will be important for the next few races. I had some chattering issues in the front and rear today, just like in practice, so it was even harder to be part of the lead group. It is a pity that we couldn’t have apired to a higher place, but we have started to pick up points. We will see if in Le Mans we continue getting better and have a bit more luck.”