Yuta Date secured sixth in the second race of the Moto3™ Junior World Championship while Toba falls in both races and Norrodin struggles with confidence.
The Moto3™ Junior World Championship was held in Jerez today, the penultimate round of the year saw two races disputed. The Asia Talent Team encountered mixed fortunes in both events at the Circuito de Jerez.
Yuta Date today finished a great weekend; it had started well on Saturday as he lined up eighth on the grid. In the first race he had a good start and was ninth after the first few laps, setting very competitive times and fighting with some of the top riders. But from mid-race his performance began to falter and he started to fall back, dropping down to 13th position. In the second race Date entered determined to take a leading roll. After a sensational start he joined the group chasing the leaders and did not lose touch. Ahead, Arenas and Bulega escaped as Mir fell, leaving the Japanese rider in contention for a podium as he fought with the likes of Dalla Porta, Petrarca, Arbolino and Masia. Lap by lap the Asian Talent Team rider continued to fight on for the podium, the chance to stand on the steps escaping by just half a second, finishing in sixth after an outstanding race.
It was not as strong a weekend for Kaito Toba. In practice he had modest results, but went onto the grid on Sunday aiming to change his fortunes with a strong race. In both races he struggled to get inside the top 10, both times suffering serious falls. He now turns his attention to recovering from the knee injury he sustained as he attempts to arrive in Valencia full fit.
Two falls for Adam Norrodin during practice not only hindered his grid position, but also greatly dented his confidence ahead of the two races. The tricky weather didn’t help, the strong wind causing most of the field to struggle in Jerez. This tough weekend ended with 18th in race one and 21st in race two, he now eyes a good finish to the year in Valencia.
The Moto3™ Junior World Championship will end in two weeks on November 15th at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia.
Results from the weekends racing can be viewed here.
