RW Racing GP happy with 8 points after strong weekend

The goal of RW Racing GP beforehand the Qatar Grand Prix was a top 10 finish. Seeing Livio Loi finish in eighth after a thrilling Moto3 race nevertheless was a bit of a mixed emotion. But all in all Loi and the team had an excellent weekend in Qatar and the good feeling and confidence that brings, is what they take back home, together with 8 championship points.

Starting from the front row gave Livio Loi a huge opportunity. He made a near perfect start and entered the first corner side by side with pole sitter Romano Fenati. Loi was able to fight for the lead immediately and concluded the first lap heading the group.

Unfortunately in the second lap already the 18 year old from Belgium was pushed wide. He was lucky to save the bike from crashing out and rejoined in tenth, having to fight his way back up.

It took until lap 8 before Loi could take the lead of the second group and start his quest to overcome the gap. In only one lap he pulled a lead of over a second to his pursuers with a race best lap of 2.06,171.

“Unfortunately Livio couldn’t get close enough to the leading group to put up a fight,” RW Racing GP team manager Jarno Janssen saw. “Sure, after qualifying in second we had hoped for more than eighth but let’s not forget where we came from. Both Livio and the team have made huge steps. The weekend overall was terrific. It would not be fair to expect miracles. We are very happy with eighth and 8 points. For now this is just where we want to be, heading to Livio’s favourite track in Argentina.”

Livio Loi - 8 (+1,710)

“Beforehand I would have put up for eighth without a doubt, but after our strong performance in practices and qualifying obviously I’m a little bit disappointed. Nevertheless I’m happy with 8 points. It’s a good start of the season. But yes, maybe there was more in it. The start was good and I was able to grab the lead of the race a few times.

My aim was to pull away, but it was too early for that and when Brad Binder overtook me I was pushed wider than I wanted. I had to leave the line and could only just prevent going off track. But I was on the dirty part of the track and it was a near crash when I tried to make the turn. I lost quite some time there and from then on it was a matter of trying to get back to the group.

I managed, but I couldn’t get close enough. Each time I had almost closed the gap, the front runners got away slipstreaming and I had to start catching up again. When Bastianini caught me, I was able to hook up, but I made a mistake in shifting, entering the corner in third instead of second. My mistake. That cost me about a second.

Anyway, it could have been better, but I’m pretty satisfied with how the weekend went. I have the circuit record, recorded the fastest lap in the race, topped the practices, qualified on the front row and I get home with 8 points in the bag. It could have been much, much worse and slightly any better. I’m a happy chap.”