Masia and Acosta conclude accident-filled Americas Grand Prix
03/10/2021The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo take fourth and eighth positions, respectively, in a race ended early due to a second red flag.
The Americas Grand Prix race featured two red flags that eventually forced the round to end prematurely. After an incident on Lap 8 an initial 5 lap sprint was set up, but a subsequent crash involving numerous riders called the contest off definitively. Jaume Masia concluded the weekend with a fourth place finish, with Pedro Acosta eighth. The latter suffered a heavy crash from which, fortunately, he emerged unscathed.
Masia took off from the pole position and held the holeshot, before holding off the passing attempts by his rivals and continuing inside the Top 5. After the red flag, the Spaniard started from fourth place, and again attempted to set a fast pace. Masia was second when the race was ended definitively, but was given fourth at the Americas GP on the countback.
Acosta, who was on the fifth row on the first start, pushed hard and, in just five laps, climbed 7 places from 15th to 8th. After the restart, the Spaniard began well, but a scare at the beginning of the second lap of the sprint made him lose several positions. Shortly afterwards, he was one of the riders caught up in an incident involving multiple competitors, and with the race called off the official results were those of the first start. Acosta was awarded eighth position.
Acosta remains the leader of the Moto3 World Championship with 218 points. Masia is 5th with 135. Now the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo will enjoy a short break, before returning to action at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on October 22-24th.
Results (Moto3 Race)
1. Izan Guevara (GasGas) 15:57.747
2. Dennis Foggia (Honda) +0.385
3. John McPhee (Honda) +0.499
4. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +0.706
5. Deniz Öncü (KTM) +1.266
8. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +1.543
Moto3 World Championship Standing 2021
1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 218 points
2. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 188 points
3. Sergio Garcia (GasGas) 168 points
4. Romano Fenati (Husqvarna) 138 points
5. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 135 points
Moto3 World Championship Team Standing 2021
1. Red Bull KTM Ajo 353 points
2. Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team 269 points
3. Leopard Racing 220 points
4. Petronas Sprinta Racing 198 points
5. Reb Bull KTM Tech 3 180 points
AKI AJO – TEAM MANAGER
“It was a chaotic day in Moto3. After two red flags, it was a wise decision not to restart again, especially after the dangerous accident in which, fortunately, nothing more serious happened.
Jaume [Masia] had a good weekend and, for me, this was a taste of what we can expect from him in the next few races. He was very focused on his work. However, today was tough for him, with everything that happened, as we knew that he could have fought for the victory. Pedro [Acosta] was once again at a new circuit for him and, taking this into account, we can say that he had a great round. Unfortunately, he was involved in the incident caused by another rider, although the important thing is that he escaped unharmed. Without a doubt, we are on the right track in the fight to win the title.”5 JAUME MASIA
“It was a shame about what happened today, as we were feeling very good and we had the chance to get a great result at this race. Now we have to focus on the next contest in Misano, where we hope to continue in the same positive way as at this round. We will try again with all our strength.”
37 PEDRO ACOSTA
“I suffered a heavy blow today, but the important thing is that I’m ok. What I can take away is that I felt very strong in both races. I was in control of the group and my intention was to reach the end of the contest calmly and without showing all my cards immediately. After the first red flag, on the second start, we applied the same strategy, but unfortunately the crash prevented us from completing the round. Luckily, I’m not hurt, and now I’m thinking about the next GP, at Misano.”