15,000 fans have witnessed a thrilling first round of the season at the Circuit de Catalunya. Ryan and Martin in Moto3™, Mariñelarena in Moto2™, Forés in Stock Extreme and Habib in the Kawasaki Z Cup have been the victors on a race day marked by both rain and cold, but which in no way have overshadowed this fantastic celebration of motorcycle racing.
Today two of the nine qualifying Moto3 races were run, giving us a day full of surprises, plus the debut of some future promises in the championship. The chequered flag of the first Moto3 race signalled victory to the British 125GP Championship runner-up in 2011, Wayne Ryan (GBR-KRP), who dominated every lap after pole position rider Martín crashed out, just a few seconds after the race began. Quartararo (FRA-FTR) came back impressively from 19th on the grid to end up on the second step of the podium – his first time there. Just as impressive was Rodrigo (SPA-KTM), who pulled back nine positions to finish third.
Three hours later the second race in the same category started, and with water on the track riders were constantly changing positions. The Valencian rider from O.I.D. Team Aspar, Adrián Martín (SPA-Kalex-KTM) debuted on the top step of the podium, followed by Schouten (NED-FTR) who confirmed his registration just a few days ago. Third place went to the Briton Kyle Ryde, who oddly enough snatched the title of winner of the British 125GP Championship by two points in 2011 from teammate and champion of today's first round Ryan (KRP/Racing Steps Foundation).
In Moto2™, a fall without serious consequences on lap three took pole position rider Hafizh Syahrin out of the race. With everyone slipping and sliding on the soaking track, prominent riders such as Noyes (USA-Suter) or Hernández (COL-Kalex) saw their podium chances vanish. Finally, an unchallengeable Mariñelarena (SPA-Suter) chalked up his first victory in the championship, a feat that he will try to repeat as wild card in Jerez at next Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix. Second and third places went to the Spanish Moto2 runner-up Román Ramos (SPA-Ariane), and Russel Gómez (SPA-AJR) respectively. First place in the Spanish Superstock 600 Cup was taken by Jorge Arroyo (SPA, Yamaha), after Elena Rosell was disqualified for technical reasons.
The first half of the Stock Extreme race was breathtaking. Forés (SPA-Ducati) and Silva (SPA-BMW) fought a pitched battle, riding wheel to wheel and constantly passing each other. Five laps from the end, the Valencian rider finally managed to get clear, finishing 8.3 seconds up on Silva in second. There was a bitter tussle for third place, with Barragán (SPA-Suzuki) coming home for the last slot on the podium. The champion of the Spanish Cup privateers in Stock Extreme this time round has been Alviz (SPA-Kawasaki).
After a few hard fought last laps Habib rode to victory in the KZC. Three tenths behind the champion was Valera, securing himself a place on the second step of the podium. Mateos took third place.
The next round of the CEV Repsol will take place at Motorland Aragón on 25 and 26 May, where the second round of the championship will be held.
source : motogp.com
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