Sensational first podium for Sergio Garcia in Malaysia, Alonso Lopez crashes out

Estrella Galicia 0,0 riders Alonso Lopez and Sergio Garcia Dols contested the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday at the Sepang International Circuit.

Rookie Garcia Dols crossed the finish line in second place. Lopez would not take the chequered flag after a crash on the opening laps of a dry race, won by Italian rider Lorenzo Dalla Porta.

The duo will be back on track on November 15th for the first Free Practice for the Valencian Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, the finale of the 2019 season.

Alonso Lopez
“I made a good start, although the group pulled over to the right, giving them a little slipstream whilst I struggled a little to gain speed. I went outside and more or less held my position. After that, I started to gain places and was feeling very comfortable. I consolidated my position among the frontrunners, but then Gabriel Rodrigo crashed and I couldn’t avoid Tatsuki Suzuki’s bike. It was a shame after a good weekend. We had great pace, I was riding with a lot of confidence and that allowed me to overtake steadily. I take away the more positive side of the weekend.”

Sergio García
“It was a very hard race, very hot and with a lot of overtaking. I knew I could be up at the front, although I didn’t imagine I would be fighting for the podium. I kept overtaking other riders, but I didn’t see it as a clear possibility until the last lap. We went into the final corner on the limit. I thought I was going to crash, but in the end we held on. It was an incredible race and I’m very happy. I want to thank my family and my team. I also want to dedicate this podium to Afridza Munandar, the Asia Talent Cup rider who died in Saturday’s race.”