Frenchman takes third place at his home Grand Prix, a result that extends his lead in the Moto2 World Championship standings.

Zarco, French Moto2 Race 2015

For the fourth consecutive race, Johann Zarco placed on the rostrum. This Sunday, at the famous circuit of Le Mans, a third place finish gave him his best result at the historic track. Riding intelligently, the Ajo Motorsport rider secured a podium which sees him increase his advantage in the overall Moto2 standings to 21 points.

From third on the grid, Zarco made a good start to get ahead of his rivals. As he tried to pull away in the opening laps, he stretched the lead group, defending the lead firmly until the fourth lap -when he was overtaken by Thomas Lüthi. Without dropping his pace, lap by lap Zarco maintained second place with a superb ride, until he was passed by Tito Rabat on lap 18.

With this third place finish, the Ajo Motorsport rider strengthens his lead in the Moto2 World Championship with a total of 89 points. The next race will be the Italian GP, on the weekend of May 29th to 31st at the Mugello circuit.

Race – Results
1. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 42:27.011
2. Tito Rabat (Kalex) +1.767
3. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) +3.760
4. Sam Lowes (Speed UP) +4.076
5. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) +14.492

Moto2 World Championship Standing 2015
1. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) 89 points
2. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 68 points
3. Jonas Folger (Kalex) 57 points
4. Sam Lowes (Speed UP) 54 points
5. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 54 points

Johann Zarco,
“It was very good. The victory was the target but, as I said yesterday, if that meant taking too many risks, it was important to get a good result instead. I was able to lead the race, I was happy and tried to push hard, but Luthi was very fast. I fought with him, but not for long. He opened up a small gap that I was able to limit for a long time, but when Tito Rabat passed me at the end I slid slightly and was a little tense on the bike -because I wanted to get on the podium in France. It was difficult to keep up the pace, I was focused right to the end and things went very well. This was my best Grand Prix here since the beginning of my career and I’m very happy. The team did a great job; we were fast in qualifying and fast at the start of the race. Now we have to analyse the race to improve at Mugello, because I think it’s a circuit at which I can do better than at Le Mans. Fighting for victory again and keeping the lead of the World Championship is the main target for us until the end of season.”

Aki Ajo,
“Home races are always a challenge and I am very happy that Johann [Zarco] has done well and finished on the podium. Thomas Luthi was very strong here at Le Mans and I think Johann handled the situation very well; he did not get into a fight with Luthi and focused on scoring points and getting a podium at home.”