This is only Joan Mir’s (Leopard Racing) second full season in Moto3 and he’s leading the overall standings by thirty seven points. In fact, he’s twenty one points ahead of his total points haul from last year – and we’re only half way through the season! Mir has called the shots so far, winning five out of the nine races but receiving no pole positions.
And that’s probably because Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) – who has been dubbed ‘Mr Pole’ has taken six of the last nine pole positions. For someone who is so strong in qualifying, he has never actually won a race and only finished second in one. He sits twenty one points behind Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0), and after sitting out the last round due to injury, he’ll be eager to grab pole and his first race win.
Canet has had a hit and miss season. He’s claimed pole position twice, but never managed to convert those into wins. He has however, taken two victories and currently sits third in the standings. He didn’t manage to finish the last race at the Sachsenring, so will be gunning for a pole position to head up a stellar weekend, something that we all know he is capable of doing.
Romano Fenati (Marinelli Rivacold Snipers) didn’t compete in Brno last year after his bust up with the Sky Racing Team. But he’ll be back this year on a bike that he looks comfortable on and that he’s naturally taken to. His aggressive but clean riding style has earned him one victory and four second places, leaving him second in the overall standings. He’s never finished higher than sixth position at the Czech circuit but a rostrum finish this year is certainly likely for the Italian.
Other ones to watch include John McPhee (British Talent Team) who won at Brno last year and has had a decent points haul in the first half of this season. Martin’s team mate Fabio Di Giannantonio has taken a little more time to get to grips with the bike, but now he’s got it working for him he’s sure to be in with a chance of a rostrum finish.
Moto3 action kicks off on Friday, with Free Practice 1 beginning at 9:00am (GMT+2).
