Mucho Neumático GASGAS Aspar Team ride the Algarve rollercoaster
Bouncing back from an enforced two-race hiatus due to injury, Sergio García raced to pole position at the Grande Prémio Brembo do Algarve but was taken out of podium contention on the last lap, while Izan Guevara battled up from P12 to finish 5th - scoring 11 points.
Sergio García returns to race action at the 2021 Grande Prémio Brembo do Algarve after sitting out two races due to injury; taking a pole position but then cruelly taken out of podium contention after contact from a rival rider on the last lap
- Izan Guevara scores 11 points and delights with blistering pace at Portimão en-route to taking his fourth top five finish of the year; battling from P12 to 5th
- MuchoNeumático GASGAS Aspar remains in 2nd in the Teams’ and 3rd in the Constructors’ World Championship Classifications
Bright skies, rising temperatures and one of the most exciting circuits on the Grand Prix calendar greeted the MuchoNeumático GASGAS Aspar Team as they rolled into the penultimate race weekend of the 2021 season.
Better still the GASGAS squad returned to full strength with Sergio García jumping back into the hot seat in full fitness, after being forced to sit out of the USA and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix due to injury.
Such were García’s consistent efforts throughout the season before he was injured that he retained 3rd place in the championship standings, despite missing two fixtures. Proving that the hiatus had done nothing to dull his hunger, García raced straight to P1 during Saturday’s qualifying. Come Sunday, García again consistently lapped on front running pace, powering away in the opening portion of the race.
Although temporarily slipping down to 8th in the white-hot competition of the Moto3™ pack, García attacked hard - and clawed back up to 3rd. Unfortunately contact from rival Darryn Binder caused a massive accident putting García and rival Dennis Foggia out of the running. It was a cruel end to an exciting comeback weekend for the 18-year-old Spaniard who was looking faster than ever on his return to the fray.
Meanwhile team mate Izan Guevara, rode the Algarve rollercoaster in epic style, showing full commitment around the 4.6km race circuit. Guevara, who was still brimming with confidence from his maiden race win at the US Grand Prix in early October, battled from P12 up to 5th during the intense 21 lap race.
#28 - Izan Guevara: “We had a good race. I had to do a Long Lap penalty which meant I dropped down to 20th but then started to work and regain ground. I cut down the four seconds to the lead group which meant I could finish 5th. I’m happy about the race but it is a shame about the penalty because my race rhythm meant I could have been going for the win.”
#11 - Sergio García: “We were having a great race. I didn’t have a great feeling with the rear end of the bike and I was struggling for grip but I was trying as hard as I could. On the last lap another rider punted me out and that was it. I’m happy in a way because it seems we’re ready for Valencia and, five weeks later, I feel good after my injury. We now have to finish the season in the best way possible.”
Results - 2021 Moto3 FIM World Championship, Round 17:
1. Pedro Acosta (KTM) 21 Laps; 2. Andrea Migno (Honda) +0.354, Niccolò Antonelli (KTM) +0.880, 5. Izan Guevara (GASGAS) +1.839, DNF. Sergio García (GASGAS) +1 Lap
Championship Standings - After Round 17:
Pedro Acosta (KTM) 259pts; 2. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 188pts; 3. Sergio García (GASGAS) 168pts; 8. Izan Guevara (GASGAS) 116pts