Espargaro takes victory at Silverstone after dominating all weekend
Pol Espargaró scored his second victory of the season, topping off an almost perfect weekend at Silverstone. The Pons 40 HP Tuenti rider who started from pole position took over the lead in the eighth lap and proceeded to ride on his own straight to the finish line. It’s his second win of the year and fourth podium in six races, which moves him back into second place in the championship, equal on points with Swiss rider Tom Lüthi and only five points behind new leader Marc Márquez.
Polyccio showed an incredible pace throughout the whole race, most of his laps in the 2’07s or low 2’08s, demonstrating perfectly why he was the fastest man all weekend, with the exception of the warm-up.
Tito Rabat, after suffering many setup problems during the weekend, improved in the race and collected three points for 13th position, which puts him in ninth place overall. Axel Pons on the other hand did a great start and was close to his teammate, but crashed out in lap 7.
1. POL ESPARGARÓ “It was a very tough and hard-earned victory, the race pace was incredible. I didn’t expect Redding to be in front for so many laps and ride so fast, so I focused on studying him and find out where to attack and pass him. When I was past him I concentrated on pushing, not making any mistakes and trying to open a gap. On the pitboard I saw who couldn’t follow me, but I continued riding in the 2’07s, because I felt comfortable and I didn’t want any surprises. I took a risk to take the lead in the eighth lap and it went well, something that gives me comfort after leaving Montmeló with zero points and the injured ankle.
The last days have been difficult, but I made every effort to come back strong, making good on my motto to never give up. I did an almost perfect weekend, being the fastest in five of the six times we went on track and winning the race with authority, something I’ve never achieved in 125cc. The victory allowed us to make up many points in one go and we want to continue to show that we are just as much a candidate for the title as those in front of us.”
13. TITO RABAT “It’s not the expected result, but after how the weekend went, at least I got some points. In the race I went faster than in the practice, but I can’t be happy, because my goal this year is to fight for the podium. The wind affected me a lot throughout the weekend and gave me extra work on the bike setup. I have to move on and start thinking about Assen, where I hope to have fewer problems and be with the front guys from the beginning.”
AXEL PONS: “I did a good start and rode comfortably with the group fighting for points, with Tito Rabat and Toni Elías, but I made a mistake, the front folded and I was one the ground. During the weekend I had a good feeling and in several practice sessions I was close to the top ten, but in the moment of truth I was again out of the race and I’m pretty disappointed. I’ll continue working to make a step forward at Assen in two weeks.”
Source: Pons Racing Press Release