Joe Roberts close to the top ten at Indonesian GP.
Improving performance for Lorenzo Dalla Porta.
Second round of the MotoGP World Championship at the amazing Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia.
A brand-new challenge for Moto2 with a race cut from 25 to 16 laps before the start, as a result of track conditions.
Starting 19th on the grid, Joe Roberts made a great comeback, finishing 11th close to the top ten. His performance is a proof of the excellent race pace and high potential of the American rider, who still earns points in the standings.
Improving day for Lorenzo Dalla Porta too, who continues the work on the shoulder. Starting 27th has immediately took feeling with the track and conditions, despite the first drops of rain, recovering positions and finishing 20th. His lap times were close to those of his teammate, with some differences in the changes of direction due to the difficulty in moving the bike: clear sign that the Tuscan rider can be competitive.
Next round for the Italtrans Racing Team is the Argentina Grand Prix, scheduled on 3rd April at Rio Hondo Circuit.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta 20th
“I managed to finish the race and this is positive. My shoulder is improving and I’m working to be in the best shape in a short time. The goal is to take a further step forward in Argentina, where I will definitely be better”.
Joe Roberts 11th
“I’m quite satisfied, even if the result doesn’t represent us, because the potential is greater and we can definitely do better. Anyway, we got some more points. Now we look forward to the GP in Argentina”.
Franco Brugnara – Lorenzo Dalla Porta’s Crew Chief
“In the warm up we tried a different set-up for Lorenzo and the results were good. The final position is not what we are aiming for this year, but he took a step forward compared to Qatar. In the race he struggled but he hung in there and did well. We look forward to the next races”.
Giovanni Sandi – Joe Roberts’ Crew Chief
“We have the potential and we showed it today. Good race for Joe with a great recovery behind the second group. In the last laps he set the same lap times as the top three. We have to do better in qualifying in order to play for the podium”.