Red Bull KTM Ajo rider takes second in Sepang and cuts distance to series leader to 11 points. Karel Hanika claims fabulous Top 10 finish with ninth.

It was a great day for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team at the Sepang International Circuit, with a second place for Jack Miller and ninth for Karel Hanika. In front of a packed grandstand, the Australian cut 9 points from the gap to the Moto3 World Championship leader, and will go into the final race of the season 11 points back. Hanika completed the flyaway rounds with a successful first Top 10 placing.

Jack Miller rode a smart and strategic race at Sepang. The Australian, who started from pole position, took the lead of the race from the start, only allowing himself to be passed on a slipstream –and immediately taking back the position on the brakes. This was a constant sight throughout the 18-lap race, until the contest was decided on the final corner of the last lap. Six riders went in, and Miller emerged second to gain 9 points on the series lead.

The flyaway rounds were a big challenge for Hanika, but one that he passed with flying colours. After two Top 15 finishes, today the Czech rider completed the Asian rounds with a spectacular ninth. Hanika overcame temperatures of 33ºC and 56% humidity to find a pace that he kept up until the chequered flag.

The World Championship now returns to Europe for the final Grand Prix, in Valencia. Coming into this last round, Jack Miller has 251 points and is 11 off the top. Hanika has a total of 38 points and is eighteenth.

Results – Race
1. Efren Vazquez (Honda) 40:41.002
2. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +0.213
3. Alex Rins (Honda) +0.385
4. Danny Kent (Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo) +0.803
5. Alex Marquez (Honda) +0.831
9. Karel Hanika (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +7.336

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2014
1. Alex Marquez (Honda) 262 points
2. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 251 points
3. Alex Rins (Honda) 226 points
4. Efren Vazquez (Honda) 212 points
5. Romano Fenati (KTM) 174 points
18. Karel Hanika (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 38 points

Jack Miller >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“We are very pleased with the result we achieved today. It almost felt like we had won the race. We recovered a few points that we had dropped over the course of a couple of races and now we have only one chance. We have one race remaining in Valencia, for which we will have to work hard and try to do our best.”

Karel Hanika >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“I am very happy with today’s race. I think we did a very good job all weekend. First we learned the track, then we rode alone yesterday and were fast in qualifying. That’s why today we could ride a little behind the lead group, to which we were closing the gap. In the end we could not reach them. But the race in general was very good. I greatly appreciate the work and the help I have received from the team. Hopefully we can keep this pace up going into the final race in Valencia.”