Marc Marquez aboard his Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol-Suter, scored his second Moto2 victory of the season following an intense race that climaxed with a breathtaking final-lap encounter with Pol Espargaro, winner of last weekend‰Ûªs Jerez round.
Marquez and Espargaro spent much of the race following the impressive Thomas Luthi. This was all part of Marquez‰Ûªs plan ‰ÛÒ to let one of his rivals do the hard work while he tried to preserve his rear tyre for the all-important final few laps. With seven laps to go the two Spaniards moved ahead of the Swiss and the race became a straightforward duel.
Espargaro could match Marquez for outright speed and decided to stay just behind his compatriot, preparing himself for an all-out effort on the last lap. The 20-year-old made his first attack at turn one, passing Marquez on the inside, only to run wide, allowing the series leader to retake the lead.
Turn four was exactly the same ‰ÛÒ Espargaro squeezed ahead through on the entry, only to run wide again. Espargaro tried once again at the very next turn, this time making contact with his teenage rival. Again Marquez held on.
Undaunted, Espargaro tried once more at the ultra-tight chicane, but lost control on the brakes and ran wide, leaving Marquez a clear run to the finish line. Espargaro‰Ûªs mistake nearly lost him second place to Luthi at the flag, the pair separated by just 0.084s.
‰ÛÏThat was like a 125 race ‰ÛÒ really difficult, especially at the end." said Marquez. "Early in the race I was trying to save the rear tyre, but even though I did that the grip still wasn‰Ûªt so great at the end.
"Step by step I got my confidence, just as I did in practice and qualifying, and I felt very comfortable on the bike." he added
"When I got into the lead I tried to push really hard and make a gap but I couldn‰Ûªt manage it. On the last lap I tried to close the door on Pol and give 100 per cent. It was a great race and I think we are going to enjoy this win.‰Û
