Gonzalez & Agius play poker in Austin rain chaos
The sudden rain shortly before the start of the Moto2 race in Austin made for a difficult decision in terms of tyre choice. The LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Team opted for slick tyres, but the strategy did not pay off in the changeable conditions. Nevertheless, Manuel Gonzalez and Senna Agius showed remarkable perseverance and finished the race in 22nd and 23rd position.
Manuel Gonzalez started from an excellent second place and had set his sights on a podium finish. However, the unpredictable weather conditions made the race a real challenge. The Spaniard already had difficulties developing confidence in the wet on Friday. He and his crew therefore decided to contest the 16-lap race on slicks, as he thought he had little chance of scoring many points on wet tyres. Although this bold approach was not crowned with success, the Spaniard even set the fastest race lap at the end and finished the race in 22nd place.
Team-mate Senna Agius also had to face the difficult conditions. The Australian, who started the race from 15th on the grid, also opted for slick tyres in the hope that the track would dry off more quickly. Despite the challenges, the 19-year-old brought his Kalex safely home in P23 and once again proved his fighting spirit.
The LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Team is now focusing on the next Grand Prix, which will take place under floodlights in Qatar from 11th to 13th of April. Both Gonzalez and Agius will use this experience to start the upcoming race stronger.
Results
Race
1. Jake DIXON/ GBR/ BOSCOSCURO
2. Tony ARBOLINO/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – (+4.148)
3. Alonso LOPEZ/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – (+12.685)
22. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX (+1 lap)
23. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – (+1 lap)
World Championship
1. DIXON Jake/ GBR – 59
2. CANET Aron/ SPA – 46
3. GONZALEZ Manuel/ SPA – 45
9. AGIUS Senna/ AUS – 19
Team Classification
1. FANTIC RACING LINO SONEGO – 69
2. ELF MARC VDS RACING TEAM – 66
3. LIQUI MOLY DYNAVOLT INTACT GP – 64