Sasaki scores two points for RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP on difficult race day in Japan, early DNF for Van den Goorbergh

Ayumu Sasaki finished 14th in Sunday’s Moto2 race at Mobility Resort Motegi. The Japanese rider collected two points for RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP after Zonta van den Goorbergh was out of the race already on the opening lap due to a brake problem.

After two sunny and warm days, conditions were a bit cooler on Sunday afternoon at Mobility Resort Motegi. Unfortunately, Van den Goorbergh’s race ended less than half a lap in with a heavy crash at Turn 5. The Dutchman managed to avoid his fellow riders and, despite the high-speed fall, escaped uninjured.

Teammate Sasaki was unable to capitalise on his eighth place on the grid and lost several positions at the start. Throughout the race he remained close to the top ten, but ultimately crossed the line in 14th. It marked the fifth time this season he has scored points, moving him up to 23rd in the championship standings.

Ayumu Sasaki (P14 / +17,634):
“It was a difficult race today. I had a bad start and dropped five or six positions, and from there I wasn’t able to get those positions back again. In the end I finished in 14th position, and I’m quite disappointed about that. It was my home Grand Prix and I showed good speed all weekend, but we will learn from this and keep improving. Hopefully we can have a better race in Indonesia.”

Zonta van den Goorbergh (DNF):
“There’s not much to say about today’s race. Going into Turn 5 – which you approach at high speed – nothing happened when I tried to brake. I just managed to slip between two other riders and ended up on the outside of the track, luckily without taking anyone else down in the crash. I had no choice but to jump off the bike, and we can really consider ourselves lucky with how it ended. It’s a real shame after what had been a strong weekend. The coming days will be about rest and recovery, and hopefully we’ll be fit and ready to go again in Indonesia.”

The next Grand Prix will take place next weekend, from October 3 to 5, at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit in Indonesia.