The Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp riders and team had high hopes at the start of the Grand Prix of Malaysia Moto2 Race, but neither Manuel Gonzalez nor Kohta Nozane was able to complete the 17-lap contest at the Sepang International Circuit. Unlucky crashes in separate incidents ended their challenges prematurely.
Gonzalez had a superb start from P3 on the grid and rocketed to the front of the pack. He was leading the way through Turn 1, but drama struck early as he headed into Turn 2. There was contact between Manugasss and Fermín Aldeguer and it resulted in the Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp rider hitting the deck. While the Spaniard was relieved that all other riders managed to avoid him and his bike in the middle of Turn 2, he was disappointed that his Sepang podium endeavours came to such a swift and unfortunate end. Gonzalez still rejoined the race, and he showed his determination as he kept pushing, but he ultimately had to retire after five laps.
Nozane stuck to his plan. Starting from P28 on the grid, he made up eight places on the opening lap. The rookie then engaged in battles, learning from more experienced riders. He fell back a few positions but kept his head down. The Japanese rider was in 23rd place when he too suffered a luckless crash. On lap 5, he went down in Turn 9, and though quickly back on his feet, he was unable to resume the race.
Today‘s result means Gonzalez still has 122.5 points and remains in 8th in the championship standings. Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp stay in 8th in the team championship, also with 122.5 points.
Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp congratulate Red Bull KTM Ajo‘s Pedro Acosta on securing the 2023 Moto2 World Championship title today.
Gonzalez and Nozane will be back in action next week for the penultimate round of the 2023 Moto2 season. The Grand Prix of Qatar will be held at the Lusail International Circuit from 17th - 19th November.
