Assen GP Race Release

2014-06-28 06:57
A mixture of rain and sun at the Assen circuit saw drama unfold as the Moto2 field headed out onto the grid. Heavy showers enforced a delayed start and a wet race was declared.

In tricky conditions AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing rider Johann Zarco just missed out on a second consecutive podium, crossing the line in an impressive fourth place. Meanwhile teammate Josh Herrin battled throughout to stay within the top twenty and finish in P18.

#5 Johann Zarco: P4

“I can be happy because I started in seventh position and finished fourth. It was a difficult race with the mixed conditions but finally the rain tyres were the good choice because even at the start of the race it began to get heavier.

“My settings were not completely for the wet which is why I lost many positions at the beginning. I could not keep the pace as it was so sensitive on the bike and difficult to go faster. I even had a bit of a crash and I lost I think six to eight positions, which is the downfall of my race.

“As it was drying I had a much better feeling on the bike, so it was necessary to wait and trust that it would dry. At this point I could overtake many riders but there were only seven laps to go, so not enough but I’m still happy with fourth position. It’s good for the team and it’s good for me.”

#2 Josh Herrin: P18

“I went into the race with a lot of confidence as I usually do pretty well in the rain but for some reason I just didn’t have any grip and I couldn’t hang with the guys in the beginning.

“It wasn’t until it started to dry up that it started to improve and I could pick up the pace, but it was way too late by then.

“I’m happy to finish another race in the top twenty but I’m just disappointed because I was expecting to do well in the wet and I feel I could have done better in the dry too, but hopefully we can improve in Sachsenring.”


Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager

“It was a weird race with the conditions changing just before the start with heavy rain, which no one was really prepared for.

“We had a strategy with the tyres and bike setting because we saw the potential of the track drying up and we didn’t want to risk going out on slicks.

“Johann stayed really calm during the race despite having a tough beginning with the hard setting. It was really slippery and he almost crashed a couple of times with the rear but then the more it dried up the faster he got and he was able to pass a lot of riders. In the end he did a great job and to finish fourth is an unbelievable achievement.

“With Josh he made a really good start and was twelfth position in the beginning but with no grip he was unable to control the bike and just had to fight throughout to get to the finish. So eighteenth position is not bad.

“I’m happy with this race here in Assen. We have made a step forward in terms of practice where we have been more up there and we will keep pushing for Sachsenring now and see what we can do.”

Source: Caterham Moto Racing Team

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