NORRODIN CAUGHT OUT BY CONDITIONS; SASAKI FALLS VICTIM TO RACING INCIDENT AT MOTEGI

2017-10-15 21:43
SIC Racing Team concluded their weekend with a disappointing end to proceedings, following two DNF’s for riders Ayumu Sasaki and Adam Norrodin.
With warm up delayed due to oil on the track, today’s Moto3 race was shortened to just 13 laps.
Norrodin and Sasaki wasted no time as they launched themselves off the line, immediately cutting through the field into 10th [Adam] and 17th [Ayumu] position.
Looking in solid form Malaysian rider Adam Norrodin continued to carve his way through the pack. Making his assault on the field the nineteen year-old was in a solid sixth place, when conditions caught him out with a heavy high side prematurely ending his race.
Undeterred by the treacherous conditions, Ayumu Sasaki fought his way through the spray and mist from 24th, into a point scoring 13th position. Despite gaining pace throughout and looking set for a solid finish, the young rookie saw his race ended with just four laps to go, as Rodrigo crashed out in front, taking the #71 machine with him.

Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager

“It was a very difficult race today with the conditions; it was heavy rain from the start and it continued to get worse as the race went on. After the race was shortened both riders knew they would have to push extremely hard; they both made an excellent start and gained positions.
With Adam we said to just go for it and try to be in the front as fast as possible and that’s exactly what he did. He climbed his way up to P6. He said himself that he felt comfortable and didn’t take any extra risk but he crashed coming out of turn two. This is a great shame. We are all very disappointed because we really needed to finish this race well. It’s good that he pushed and fought hard but still disappointing to end like this.
Ayumu did a really good job today; he started from P24 and had made his way up into P13 when a rider ahead crashed into him. It’s a great shame for him because he was doing so well and in the points at his home GP. It was absolutely not his fault and there was nothing he could have done about it.”


#7 ADAM NORRODIN - DNF

“I had a very good feeling on my bike from morning warm up and we finished the session third.
I made a good start in the race but then was pushed wide in third corner. I stayed calm and just focussed on making up positions; I knew with these conditions I had to break away from the group I was in and get to the front because when you are behind in the wet it’s so difficult to see. I was trying really hard to fight and then suddenly I was in sixth position. At this point I knew it was better to just keep my rhythm and bring home a good result. A few laps later I high-sided really hard; I don’t even know how it happened. I’m so disappointed and so sorry for my team. We need to go over the data now to see what happened. I really think I could have caught the front group.”
#71 AYUMU SASAKI - DNF

“This Grand Prix has been quite difficult with it raining all weekend but I have really learned a lot.
I’ve never rode in the wet like this, so it’s been a tough learning curve but I’m pleased that we’ve had this experience; I feel confident that I will be better in these conditions next time.
In the race I had a good feeling on the bike straight away. I made a good start and gained eight positions. When I made it to 13th place I could see the other front group; from there I thought I could catch them. I was pushing to close the gap when the rider in front of me crashed and hit me. It was a racing incident. I’m disappointed but also happy that I had the pace to ride there. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to fight in the front though, so we have to work on this and improve for the next race. We have three races left this year so I hope I can learn more for the next year ready for the new season.”

Source: SIC Racing Team

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