Tough Sprint for Somkiat Chantra in Motegi
Mobility Resort MotegiIDEMITSU Honda LCR rider Somkiat Chantra crossed the line in 17th place in Saturday’s Sprint at Motegi.
・Thai rider Somkiat Chantra faced a comeback Sprint from 22nd on the grid.
・He made a solid start and gained positions, showing the strong pace he has demonstrated throughout the weekend in Japan.
・However, the rider admitted struggling with fuel and tyre consumption, which limited his ability to push further.
・The data gathered today will help Somkiat and the team take another step in preparation for tomorrow’s race.
Unfortunate Sprint for Zarco in Motegi
CASTROL Honda LCR rider Johann Zarco ended his Saturday’s Sprint early at Motegi.
・After qualifying 11th and making a strong start, Zarco was caught up in a collision. Fortunately, he avoided crashing, but as a result of the incident, he ended up at the back of the field.
・As the laps went by, Zarco recovered several positions, but after a few mistakes and feeling he was close to the limit, he decided to enter the pits.
・Despite ending his race early, the Frenchman said he felt good overall on the bike during the sessions and highlighted solid improvements with the new HRC package.
・Looking ahead to tomorrow’s race, the insights gathered from today’s Sprint will help Johann and the team take another step forward.
Today’s Sprint was demanding. The start was good, but managing the fuel and the tyres was tricky. Early on, the tyre overheated, which made things difficult, and I felt a lot of spinning. The team is now analyzing everything to improve ahead of tomorrow. I feel really strong in the braking zones of sector two, and I’m really enjoying that part.
Today’s Sprint was demanding. The start was good, but managing the fuel and the tyres was tricky. Early on, the tyre overheated, which made things difficult, and I felt a lot of spinning. The team is now analyzing everything to improve ahead of tomorrow. I feel really strong in the braking zones of sector two, and I’m really enjoying that part.
I had a good start, but I was unlucky to be caught in the middle of the collision. It was scary seeing Martin between the bikes and seeing Bezzecchi get hit, and I was fortunate. Then I was in last position and tried to recover as much as possible. At the beginning, I had a decent pace, but following the rest of the rivals was quite difficult. I wanted to keep a good rhythm, but I felt I was at the limit. I made some mistakes and didn’t want to end up in the gravel, so I decided to stop.
I had a good start, but I was unlucky to be caught in the middle of the collision. It was scary seeing Martin between the bikes and seeing Bezzecchi get hit, and I was fortunate. Then I was in last position and tried to recover as much as possible. At the beginning, I had a decent pace, but following the rest of the rivals was quite difficult. I wanted to keep a good rhythm, but I felt I was at the limit. I made some mistakes and didn’t want to end up in the gravel, so I decided to stop.
