Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider takes chequered flag first in Austria, but drops to second due to a penalty. Tetsuta Nagashima finishes fourth.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 were once again on the podium at the Red Bull Ring in Austria this Sunday, thanks to a second place for Jorge Martin. The Spaniard led the way from start to finish, but was relegated to second for marginally exceeding the track limits on the final lap. Tetsuta Nagashima completed a great weekend for the team, ending the sixth race of the 2020 season in a deserved fourth position.

Jorge Martin made a great start, taking the holeshot and imposing a strong pace that allowed him to escape from his rivals. The Spaniard held an advantage of more than a second over the chasing group at the halfway mark, but was caught with three laps to go by the rider in second place. Whilst he would take the chequered flag first, Martin was handed a penalty for exceeding the track limits at the final corner, dropping him to second.

Tetsuta Nagashima held his grid position of third off the line and, at the end of the second lap, moved up into second. The Japanese worked hard to keep a podium spot, but would be overtaken by two rivals just before the middle of the contest. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider then rode a solitary second part of the race, crossing the line in fourth.

Martin remains third in the overall standings, level on 79 points with the rider in second. Nagashima is fourth with 68 points. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo will be back in action in two weeks’ time, at the San Marino Grand Prix from September 11-13th.

Results – (Moto2 Race)
1. Marco Bezzecchi (Kalex) 37:12.461
2. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) –
3. Remy Gardner (Kalex) +1.027
4. Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +1.974
5. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) +3.230

Moto2 World Championship Standing 2020
1. Luca Marini (Kalex) 87 points
2. Enea Bastianini (Kalex) 79 points
3. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 79 points
4. Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 68 points
5. Marco Bezzecchi (Kalex) 65 points

AKI AJO – TEAM MANAGER

“First of all, we are very happy with the performance from our two riders this weekend. Jorge Martin was competitive again and we hoped that in the race he would be fighting for the victory. I am also satisfied with the work done by Tetsuta [Nagashima] here, because after some difficult Grands Prix for him, he has shown that he is strong mentally, being able to improve and have a good contest. 
It is a pity that Jorge received the penalty for exceeding the track limits, but we can only accept it. However, it is an isolated incident that does not change our motivation to continue working and having good races.”

88 JORGE MARTIN

“It’s a pity that it wasn’t possible to take the victory because of the penalty. However, I will take away the fact that I did a great job. Both the team and I are performing at the highest level and we showed that we are very strong. This makes me happy and eager for the next race at Misano. I feel good physically and, if we continue like this, we could be fighting for more wins at the upcoming Grands Prix. For this reason, it is important to keep on the same path and try again in two weeks’ time.”

45 TETSUTA NAGASHIMA

“I expected a little more from this race. However, we are back at the front, which is positive after the difficulties we experienced last weekend. We are very clear about which points we need to improve, so at the next round at Misano we will work hard to continue progressing and to fight for the podium. We now have two weeks in which to relax and prepare ourselves psychologically for the San Marino Grand Prix.”