Danny Kent places fourth at Valencia, whilst Niklas Ajo crashes out just before the chequered flag.

The Valencian Grand Prix closed the 2014 Moto3 World Championship season this Sunday. The Husqvarna riders had a strong race in the season finale, with mixed luck for both Danny Kent and Niklas Ajo. Kent, who started from eleventh on the grid, just missed out on the podium after crossing the finish line in fourth place. Niklas Ajo was up into tenth before crashing with four laps to go.

Danny Kent concluded the season showing the same high level as at the previous rounds. The Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo rider staged a great comeback, gaining seven places in the race. On his final push to get onto the podium in the last two corners, the Briton could not get past Alex Marquez and crossed the finish line in fourth place.

Less fortunate was teammate Niklas Ajo. The Avant Tecno Husqvarna Ajo rider was enjoying a good race with a great pace, joining up with a large front group. However, with four laps to go he suffered a crash that prevented him from scoring points.

With this result, Kent finishes 2014 eighth in the Moto3 overall standings with 129 points. Niklas Ajo, with 52, finishes fifteenth.

Results – Race
1. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 40:10.093
2. Isaac Viñales (KTM) +0.155
3. Alex Marquez (Honda) +0.955
4. Danny Kent (Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo) +1.572
5. Alex Rins (Honda) +2.251
DNF – Niklas Ajo (Avant Tecno Husqvarna Ajo)

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2014
1. Alex Marquez (Honda) 278 points
2. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 276 points
3. Alex Rins (Honda) 237 points
4. Efren Vazquez (Honda) 222 points
5. Romano Fenati (KTM) 176 points
8. Danny Kent (Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo) 129 points
15. Niklas Ajo (Avant Tecno Husqvarna Ajo) 52 points

Danny Kent >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“Once again we have shown that we can ride in the front group and at a high level. We were able to fight for the podium until the last moment. This weekend went a little like in Sepang; we struggled to set a good time, but our pace was very high. I’m happy with the race we had, but I feel disappointed that Jack [Miller] did not win the World Championship.

Personally, I am very pleased with this second half of the season. I’ll try to start next year just like I finished this one. Hopefully it will be a great year. I want to thank my team a lot, especially Aki Ajo, for the excellent work they have done all season.”

Niklas Ajo >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“The race was quite difficult. Despite everything I felt very strong braking and fast when cornering, but I could not follow the other riders on the straight and I really don’t know why. I’m a little disappointed and I apologise to my team for these problems we have had in recent races. We have to work hard for next year to get more consistent results. The final position in the World Championship is not what we would have liked, but the team have worked hard all year so I can only say thank you to them and improve next year.”