Kunii leaves the opposition in the dust at Le Mans
. By Bikeland Staff
Yuki Kunii converted pole position into his second win of the season in Le Mans, taking the holeshot and then disappearing into the distance with some sublime pace and poise in tough conditions. The lead stretched from tenths to seconds as the chasing pack squabbled and Kunii kept his focus, remaining consistently one of the fastest men in the field and eventually crossing the line 7.5 seconds clear. The win extends his Championship lead, previously a single point, to 13 points.
It was a tougher day for others in the JTT, however. Mario Aji, a master of tough conditions, sadly crashed out early and was unable to show his true pace in France, and the incident also caused British Talent Team rider Max Cook to run off. The Brit stayed on and rejoined though, coming home in an impressive 18th place from a low of 34th at the end of Lap 1. He was also less than five seconds off the points despite the early - and expensive - excursion.
Haruki Noguchi, meanwhile, fought hard near the points but was ultimately left empty handed in his second round of the season, the Japanese rider crossing the line in 20th after losing touch. Bill van Eerde, reigning Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion, took P26 as he continues to adapt, crossing the line in the midst of a tough three-way battle with Izam Ikmal and Idil Mahadi but getting the better of the latter.
That's it from France and Round 3, next up the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Junior World Championship heads for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for another two-race Sunday on the second weekend in June.