Perfect weekend at Catalan GP for Ajo Motorsport rider, who takes victory from pole position.

Zarco, Moto2 race, Catalunya MotoGP 2015

Johann Zarco claimed an impressive victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit on Sunday. The Frenchman recovered from a bad start to regain positions and take the win for the second time this season -increasing his lead in the Moto2 overall standings.

Demonstrating the same excellent form as he had throughout the whole weekend, Zarco warned his rivals of his intentions in the morning warmup. However, in the race itself, starting from pole position, the Ajo Motorsport rider was clipped on the opening metres and lost ground to the frontrunners. Fifth after Lap 1, he nevertheless managed to catch the top three mid-race.

Third with ten laps to go, Zarco continued setting a fast pace that allowed him to close the gap to the leading duo, consisting of Tito Rabat and Alex Rins. He would overtake Rabat at Turn 5 of the final lap, holding onto the lead to the chequered flag and claiming win number two of the season.

With victory at the Catalan GP, the Frenchman continues to lead the way in the Moto2 World Championship standings. He currently has a total of 134 points, 40 points ahead of his nearest rival. The next round of the series -the Dutch TT Assen- takes place on Saturday, June 27th.

Race – Results
1. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) 41:15.487
2. Alex Rins (Kalex) +0.426
3. Tito Rabat (Kalex) +1.115
4. Sam Lowes (Speed Up) +3.915
5. Luis Salom (Kalex) +7.080

Moto2 World Championship Standing 2015
1. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) 134 points
2. Tito Rabat (Kalex) 94 points
3. Sam Lowes (Speed Up) 80 points
4. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 78 points
5. Alex Rins (Kalex) 74 points

Johann Zarco,
“I am very happy about this race, because at the beginning it was difficult; I was surprised that the front group got away so quickly. It was not easy to catch them, but I remained calm throughout the race and that I think that was the key. I was able to close the gap in the final laps, study where they were stronger or weaker and, on the last lap, I knew I had to overtake at Turn 5 if I was to win the race. I am very happy that I was so consistent and always amongst the top two in practice and qualifying. That helped me to prepare well for the race and understand what I needed to do at all times.

It has been a very good weekend and I thank the team because they have helped me a lot. When I get on the bike I have a lot of confidence and I can focus on doing my job in the race. I had a chance to win and I took it, so I have an even bigger advantage in the World Championship, but the season is very long and now I just have to enjoy this. We’ll see how it goes at Assen.”

Aki Ajo,
“It’s been a great day and a great weekend. From the first practice, Johann [Zarco] has been very strong and we were always working with the race in mind. He has done a great job at all times, keeping calm and maintaining concentration. There’s not much more to say after this victory, I just have to thank both him and the whole team. Perhaps we will have to analyse the start of the race together, as it was not very good and it made it hard for him to get on the pace, but in any case he did very well.”