Moto2 Catalan GP: Johann Zarco takes his third win of 2016.

From Saturday onwards it was clear that Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) and Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40) were the riders to beat, the pair duelling it out on Sunday. Both got shuffled back in the run down to Turn 1 but quickly recovered to lead the field. The pair escaped and Zarco watched Rins for most of the race, learning his lines, where Rins was weak and most importantly where Zarco was stronger. Seven laps from the end Zarco saw his chance and took it without a second thought, slipping past Rins and never looking back. Zarco’s pace was untouchable and he would eventually cross the line 4.180s ahead of Rins.

The last two races have seen Zarco take 50 out of 50 points available, back to his best after his uncharacteristic fall in Le Mans. Now with 106 points, the French reigning Moto2™ World Champion is only ten points off the championship lead and only two behind Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) in second. Taking back-to-back titles is by no means impossible for Zarco. The Moto2™ World Championship is set to be one of the closest in years, none of the leading three able to gain a clear advantage.

Johann Zarco: “It has been a very hard weekend emotionally because of the loss of Luis. The pole position yesterday was important and I wanted to dedicate that to him, and this win is very nice because all the Moto2 riders were able to pay tribute to him on the podium. We all knew that this race was for Luis, to honour him. It was the best way to end the weekend.”

Credits : Photos and content courtesy of MotoGP.com