MIXED WEEKEND FOR HUSQVARNA RIDERS AT AUSTRALIAN MOTO3

[totalmotorcycle]

MIXED WEEKEND FOR #HUSQVARNA RIDERS AT #AUSTRALIAN #MOTO3


A crash in the final stages of Rd. 16 of the Moto3 World Championship drew a line under Husqvarna factory rider Danny Kent’s podium hopes on the Australian circuit of Phillip Island on Sunday. The British rider had been strong all weekend and was set to have a top result in this very competitive championship.

Kent, who has found very good form in the second half of the season was very well positioned in the leading group of riders but he and South African rider Brad Binder made contact in the final stages of the race and ended in the gravel.

Kent’s fellow Husqvarna rider Niklas Ajo of Finland delivered a strong ride to finish in ninth place, especially after sustaining a massive high speed crash during timed practice during which he suffered a fractured finger and multiple bruises.

For Kent it was a disappointing end to a strong weekend. He had been impressive in all three free practice sessions, finishing 1-5-2 on the time sheets. He then went on to qualify in fourth place to start on the second row, a clear indication of his improved form.
Danny Kent: "Once again we have been very strong here at Phillip Island. Since Aragon we have made an important step forward by demonstrating that we can be up at the front consistently. We worked very well throughout the weekend and it was just a shame about the way it ended. In the incident, Jack [Miller] overtook me on the inside and, when I opened up slightly, I collided with Binder and crashed. It was frustrating because we were going very well and could have fought for another podium. Now we have to focus on Malaysia."

Husqvarna Team Manager Aki Ajo said it had basically been a strong weekend for both of his riders. “Especially so for Danny,” he said. “He was always in the top group. Finally it was a big disappointment that he couldn’t finish because he really had great potential to be on the podium. But Danny is in a positive mood now and I am sure he will be strong again in Malaysia. The same goes for Niklas. He had a strong weekend but unfortunately he made one mistake in time practice and had a big crash in the first corner. It was difficult for him to start in today’s race because he had pain everywhere.” Both Kent and Ajo ride the FR 250 GP Husqvarna machine.

Riders now race next weekend on the Sepang circuit in Malaysia before returning to Europe for the final round in Valencia, Spain.
CAPTION 1: Impressive ninth place by Niklas Ajo riding injured after high speed crash in time practice Saturday
CAPTION 2: Disappointing end to strong weekend for Danny Kent

Moto3 Rd. 16
At Phillip Island Australia
Results
1, Jack Miller, AUS, KTM, 37:25.209
2, Alex Marquez, ESP, Honda, 37:25.238
3, Alex Rins, ESP, Honda, 37:25.241
4, Efren Vazquez, ESP, Honda, 37:25.253
5, John McPhee, GBR, Honda, 37:25.343
6, Alexis Masbou, FRA, Honda, 37:25.451
7, Miguel Oliveira, POR, Mahindra, 37:27.962
8, Jakub Kornfeil, CZE, KTM, 37:28.664
9, Niklas Ajo, FIN, Husqvarna, 37:43.327
10, Niccolo Antonelli, ITA, KTM, 37:43.328
DNF Danny Kent, GBR, Husqvarna
Championship Standings
1, Marquez, 251
2, Miller 231
3, Rins, 210
4, Vazquez, 187
5, Fenati 175
9, Kent 103
14, Ajo, 52

Manufacturer’s Standings
1, Honda 343
2, KTM 335
3, Mahindra 158
4, Husqvarna 130