Xavi Vierge 5th in French GP
In the Grand Prix de France Xavi Vierge started from the back of the grid due to technical problems and crossed the finishing line in fifth place at the end of an outstanding race.
Also the race Sunday at the Le Mans Circuit offered best weather conditions and over 100,000 French fans could look forward to exciting races.
For Xavi Vierge, who was supposed to tackle the 25-lap race from second position, everything turned out differently than expected. When the bike of the 21-year-old had a problem with the fuel pump and the engine didn’t start, he had to go into the warm-up lap from the pit lane and begin the French GP from 35th place at the end of the field. The young Spaniard only had the goal to overtake as many competitors as possible. An impressive catching up followed! Overall, he managed to make up to 30 positions. With eight laps to go he had made it to fifth place, which he successfully defended against Miguel Oliveira, who came dangerously close. Finally Xavi Vierge finished right behind his teammate and maintained his sixth Championship position with another eleven points.
As it would almost certainly have been possible today to reach the podium of both riders, there was a certain disappointment, but nevertheless the focus is now moving to Mugello, where the Intact GP pair will launch a new attack from 1 to 3 June. Previously, the squad will spend another day in Le Mans and participate in the official Moto2 test on Monday.
Xavi Vierge:
“We had the rhythm to fight for the victory this weekend but after the problem before the start, it completely changed our plan. Then our only plan was to pass as many riders as soon as possible. That was difficult because at the beginning, with the new tyres everyone was really fast. It was difficult to pass them. The only way to overtake, was pushing the rear tyre. To win the race you need to start the race thinking about your tyre and today that wasn’t possible. I was able to pass everybody, but when I arrived to P5, I tried to catch the leading group but my rear tyre was destroyed. I started to have a lot of problems because of that. I tried to stay in P5 but that was very difficult, because Oliveira came back to me so fast. At least we kept this position. I think we made a good job and I had a very good rhythm. Anyway, I think we had the potential to fight with the top guys today. And now we will try to stay at that level for all the following GP’s. Thanks to my team for the great support and all the people who have my back, making me push hard.”