Alex Rins lost what could have been an almost certain victory in the Moto3 Czech Grand Prix on Sunday, unintentionally slowing at the end of the penultimate lap.
In a finish which proved to be the tightest ever between the top 16 riders, Rins was ahead as the final lap began, but mistakenly began celebrating one lap too early. The Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider pushed on through the final lap and would end the day ninth.
“I’m very disappointed about this big mistake,” commented the championship runner-up of 2013. “I was thinking it was the last lap and when I crossed the finish line all of the riders passed me. I then just tried to push hard to finish further up. I am very sorry for my team because this weekend was very good, but I made this mistake.”
In the meantime, team-mate Alex Marquez was fourth as a multiple-rider group made its way toward the finish line as one.
“On the last straight going up the hill, I tried to open the gas more than Miller,” Marquez explained, having eventually edged out the Australian by one position. “I stayed behind him, tire-to-tyre, but – and I don’t know why – (eventual winner) Masbou’s bike came up really quickly and passed Miller and I.
“I tried my best to re-pass Masbou on the final straight, but then I saw Bastianini and Kent past me really quickly; I don’t really understand how they did that! The most important thing is that we scored more points than Miller , which was important.”
With seven events remaining, Marquez is now placed second in the championship standings and 23 points in arrears of championship leader Miller.
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https://formulaone.news/motorcycle-racing/crutchlow-extends-motogp-contract-with-yamaha-for-another-two-years
