Isaac Viñales 16th & Xavi Vierge 20th in challenging Catalan GP
Tireless Vinales completes challenging Catalan GP
Tech3 Racing Team rider Isaac Viñales just missed out on a top fifteen finish in the gruelling 23 lap sprint at the Catalunya circuit today. The Spaniard endured a tough qualifying campaign yesterday and kicked off the Grand Prix from 27th position.
However, he remained focused and then launched into action when the lights went out and jumped up three places by the close of the first lap before setting into his race pace. He continued to push as he targeted the final point scoring position and fought all the way to the chequered flag before meeting it in 16th having gained eleven positions from his grid placement.
Meanwhile, Xavi Vierge suffered an unfortunate end to his home GP and crossed the line in 20th after producing a determined performance at the physically demanding circuit. The 19-year-old Spaniard began the fight from the head of the eighth row of the grid and lunged forward before crossing the opening lap in 21st.
He set into his race rhythm as he posted consistent lap times and after continually progressing, he was running in 15th in the final third of the event. However in the closing moments of the GP, he made contact with another rider which caused him to fall, but he bravely remounted to complete the event in 20th.
Isaac Viñales
“Overall, I am not thrilled about the result but we have to look at the positives as we made progress from yesterday, even though we ended up just outside the top fifteen. I started a long way back so the GP was always going to be a challenge, but I remained focused and I did my best. It’s disappointing to not score any points at my home race but now we will look towards the test and then Assen.”
Xavi Vierge
“It was a difficult race for me today, but i gave it everything that I had. I started the GP well and I was confident about climbing up the field, however, my main objective was to complete the GP. Having said that, I really wanted to end up in the points so I pushed every lap but in the closing stages, Gardner touched me and I fell. It’s a shame because I was fighting inside the top fifteen, however these things happen in racing. Of course, the weekend could have ended better but we will try again next time at Assen and I must say thanks to the team for their hard work.”