Espargaro bounces back from early run-off to take 13th at Mugello

The MotoGP World Championship raced in Italy this Sunday, but the victory would go to Spain. Jorge Lorenzo took the win at Mugello, followed by Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso. Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Dovizioso and Bradl were all part of an early leading group, with Lorenzo opening a slight gap at the front. Pedrosa then pounced on Dovizioso to slot into second. 1.5 seconds clear, Lorenzo managed the race and increased his lead to 5.2 seconds by lap fourteen, as Pedrosa dropped back. Battles between Stoner and Bautista, Dovizioso and Bradl and Rossi, Crutchlow and Hayden provided some added enjoyment for spectators.

POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar rider Randy De Puniet completed a trio of races in which he has been the top CRT rider. The Frenchman was the leading rider of the new sub-class at Mugello, following on from success in Holland, Germany and Great Britain. He looked to lay down the same pace today as in practice and was once again out on his own. He leaves Italy as leader of the CRT riders, with 28 points to his name.

Had it not been for a run-off on the second lap, Aleix Espargaró could well have challenged his teammate. The POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar rider lacked feel at the beginning of the race with a full fuel tank, but responded to his setback by making a great comeback for thirteenth.

13th Aleix Espargaró: “Today I started very well and on the first corner I was able to pass two official bikes on the outside. The opening two laps were really fun. Then, with the tank still full, I was unable to get a good pace going and I noticed that the bike wasn’t cornering well. I wasn’t comfortable, lost concentration and ran off track when I locked up the front. I recovered as well as quickly as I could and focused fully, trying to do my best to recover positions. I went fast and was able to cross the line as the second best CRT, behind my teammate Randy. I am happy, because I kept up a good pace despite the run-off, but our aim is to be the best CRT, so we will have to work hard and try again at Laguna Seca.”

Source: Aspar Team Press Release