Improvements over the course of the weekend at Phillip Island failed to materialise in the race, meaning Team Gresini Moto2 head to the next round in Malaysia with added determination to succeed.
Yuki Takahashi made a good start to the race in Australia but quickly lost positions over the opening laps before eventually demonstrating the pace to suggest he could have run with the guys at the front.
Michele Pirro’s race was conditioned by an unusual problem – he bent his footpeg on a kerb – and it was all he could do to finish the race in the points. Sepang represents another opportunity for the riders to fulfil their undoubted potential and the goal is to be competitive again before the season ends.
Yuki Takahashi
“After qualifying on the front row in Australia I was very optimistic for the race but we were only able to manage tenth place, which was a disappointment. I got a good start but didn’t manage to stay up there with the lead group, then lap after lap I got my confidence together and made up positions but it was too late. My lap times were as good as the guys at the front so that leaves a bittersweet taste. Now we go to Sepang where I hope to have more confidence in myself and in my bike.”
Michele Pirro
“We have had a nightmare recently and I haven’t been able to push the bike as I would like. Then in Australia we had problems in the race because of a stupid little thing like a bent footpeg which didn’t allow me to ride properly. We have two races left and we will do our best to be competitive in them.”
Fausto Gresini
“In Australia things went slightly better in practice but we are really struggling to realise our potential at the moment. It is a real shame that there are two races of the season to go and we are not looking likely to be competitive in them. Having said that we won’t give up because there have been some positive signs and with the help of the riders we still have a chance of fulfilling our potential in these races.”
