Suzuki’s Maverick Vinales claimed his maiden MotoGP win in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Advertisement
Following the restart, Crutchlow battled past Rossi and Vinales to lead but the latter responded to regain first place before easing away.
“I need to say thanks to them because from three seconds to be on third position on the grid was quite good”.
“After the first start I felt really confident and I thought I had a margin to keep ahead, and this gave me the needed confidence to do it again after the second start”.
Unfortunately for Laverty the red flags came out a corner later, leaving him to do it all again. “I think we deserved this and so did the fans who have stood by me in previous years”.
“I also got locked together with Lorenzo and that sent me backwards”. Thankfully I didn’t go down too, but it damaged the rear of my bike and that was it for my race.
The 30-year-old from Coventry, whose victory in the Czech Republic last weekend was the first by a British rider in motorcycling’s elite class for 35 years, finished behind Maverick Viñales, the Suzuki rider, who won his first grand prix.
That particular day he was flanked on the podium by an American – Kenny Roberts Junior – and an Ulsterman, Jeremy McWilliams. This was Vinales’ first MotoGP victory since he joined the premier class back in the 2015 season.
Rossi and Marquez spent several laps engaged in a fierce tussle over third place at Silverstone in scenes reminiscent of their confrontation in last year’s Malaysian race, which culminated in the pair famously colliding.
“The team and Honda have worked so hard for me – the start of the year was difficult but all of those efforts have paid off for us”.
His mistake allowed Rossi to finish third behind first-time victor Maverick Vinales and Crutchlow, with Marquez taking fourth after re-passing Dani Pedrosa on the last lap. “I expected to be in the top six”. Next race will be held in Misano on September 11, 2016.
Maverick Vinales provided Ecstar Suzuki a MotoGP win after nearly nine years.
Circuit of Wales signed a five-year contract in 2014 to host the British round between ’15-19, but Silverstone was to remain on the calendar during its construction.
Advertisement
Closer to home, Charles Stuart and Robert English shared the Irish Superbike spoils at Kirkistown on Saturday at the B&D Club promoted event and talented youngster Korie McGreevy was a double victor in the Supersport class.
