2015 Japanese Moto2 and Moto3 Race Report

Moto2: Zarco takes title clinching win

Another splendid ride from Johan Zarco saw him take victory at Motegi. It was the seventh win of the 2015 season for the French rider as he mastered the tricky wet conditions. He started the race from pole was very cautious in the initial stages of the race to understand the track conditions as many riders crashed out of the race as they tried to ride hard. Once in lead, Zarco never looked back and rode a lonely race ahead of the grid. The win at Motegi was special for Zarco as he was crowned the 2015 Moto2 champion taking the title from Tito Rabat who moves to MotoGP next season. The Frenchman celebrated his championship win with a special helmet and t-shirt. His customary back flip celebration was also special as he jumped from his motorcycle. Jonas Folger finished the race in second place after briefly leading the race while the final step on the rostrum went to Sandro Cortese. Malaysian rider Azlan Shah finished a career best fourth place. 

Moto3: Antonelli dominates proceedings at Motegi

It was Niccolo Antonelli who mastered a soaking wet Twin Ring Motegi to register his second triumph of the 2015 season. His victory was special for his motorcycle supplier Honda as they needed a podium finish to grab the constructor’s title. Antonelli gave Honda their first title in Moto3 class after a gap of 14years with a stunning win in their home Grand Prix. The Ongetta-Rivacold rider read the conditions perfectly as many riders slid off the track owing to lack of grip. The Italian took the race lead by the halfway stage and then powered on to take a dominating win. Miguel Oliveira tried his best to close the gap in the final stages of the race but Antonelli had enough lead to grab the chequered flag ahead of the Portuguese rider. The final step on the podium was taken by Jorge Navarro.