Red Bull KTM Ajo wins the last race of the year in Valencia, missing out on the Moto3 title by just 2 points. Karel Hanika takes second consecutive Top 10 finish.

The Moto3 World Championship came to an end in Valencia with a thrilling race, won by Jack Miller. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider gave everything he had in the season finale, but the third place taken by Alex Marquez meant that he missed out on the title by just 2 points. Miller concludes the campaign as the rider with the most wins (6) and pole positions (8) this year. Teammate Karel Hanika rounded off the season with another Top 10, scoring points for the fourth consecutive race.

A great start for Miller saw him out in front on the opening laps. He maintained the lead throughout the race, save for a few exchanges of position with Isaac Viñales. With 5 laps remaining, an incident involving other riders relegated him to sixth. Miller refused to throw in the towel, fighting back onboard his KTM to regain lost ground and win his sixth race of the year.

Karel Hanika placed in the Top 10 for the second consecutive race, improving over the course of the 24-lap contest.  The Red Bull KTM Ajo rookie struggled to pick up pace with new tyres, but as the laps went by he latched onto the front group to cross the finish line 4 seconds behind his teammate, in tenth. In the overall standings, Hanika concludes the campaign eighteenth with 44 points.

With his sixth win of the season, Miller gave KTM the Moto3 constructors title for the third consecutive year.

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
10. Karel Hanika (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +4.363

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
18. Karel Hanika (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 44 points

Jack Miller >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“Today we tried every way we could to win the World Championship. We gave all we had. I pushed like hell the whole race and left nothing in reserve. It was all or nothing today. I gave it my best. I cannot thank my team enough for all the work they’ve done all year. It was nice to also receive support from my teammate, from Danny [Kent], and from KTM riders like Isaac Viñales.

I am especially grateful to KTM, Red Bull, Ajo Motorsport and the partners, as they have done a job that I could never have imagined. Thank you very much for everything, it’s been an amazing season.”

Karel Hanika >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“It was not the best race we’ve had. Still, the start was quite good, as I stayed at the front. I had a lot of difficulty with the new tyres on the first three or four laps, and that’s why I lost some positions. Later I could not overtake a few riders, but I had a good pace riding alone and was able to reach the first group again. The important thing is that we remained there throughout the race.

I’m happy with the result and want to thank the team for all the work they have done throughout the season. Now we will begin to focus on testing, but will not forget this season, which I have enjoyed very much.”

Aki Ajo >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“This weekend and this last race of the season have been really good. All our riders have shown great pace and everyone has done a great job. I especially highlight the performance of Jack [Miller], who has been sensational throughout the weekend. He has proven to be faster than anyone else on track. He did a very consistent job and was focusing only on getting ready for the race. Other riders were very strong and aggressive against him, but he remained focused and demonstrated this with a great race and a great victory. Of course, we all feel a little disappointed because we did not win the World Championship, but the entire team, the partners and all of our group are proud of the work we have done. I am grateful to all the people who are involved in this project and who have supported us throughout the season. We have to look ahead and keep our heads held high.

As for Hanika, I am very happy with the last few races he has had. He has really improved. The season has not been easy for him, but he has had great progression in recent races, always being near the top and finishing here inside the Top 10 for the second time. I think this should be a great starting point for next season.”