Marc VDS’ Franco Morbidelli has completed a perfect start to the season by winning his third successive race and his first at the Circuit of the Americas.
The Italian eased to victory, though did come under fire in the early stages from team-mate Alex Marquez and Mattia Pasini. A mistake for Marquez saw him drop down the order to fourth, and the Spaniard chewed up his rubber trying to get back on terms with Morbidelli.
Tom Luthi soon began lighting up the timing screens on his Interwetten Kalex, and had Morbidelli just half a second a head with just 10 laps to go. However, the Swiss rider’s challenge quickly faded and Morbidelli streaked clear to become the first rider in the intermediate class since Daijiro Kato in 2001 to win the opening three races of the season.
Honda Team Asia’s Takaaki Nakagami made a welcome return to the rostrum after a disastrous Argentine round in third, with Marquez coming home in a distant fourth. Kiefer Racing’s Dominique Aegerter gave Suter their best result of their comeback in fifth.
KTM’s Miguel Oliveria, Speed Up’s Simone Corsi, Dynavolt’s Marcel Schrotter, Tech 3’s Xavi Vierge and Forward’s Luca Marini were the final riders inside the top ten.
The next round of the championship takes place on the 7th May in Spain at the Jerez circuit.
