Muñoz fifth in Mugello battle, Pini unlucky after successful catch-up race
Heart-stopping finale at Mugello: David Muñoz held his own against the competition with a hard-fought fifth place in the heated 17-lap race at the Italian Grand Prix, while LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP team-mate Guido Pini crashed in a battle for position after a spectacular catch-up on lap eleven.
The Mugello Circuit showed its most demanding side at the Italian Grand Prix: In bright sunshine and high tarmac temperatures, the riders not only had to master the fast corner passages, but also hold their own against a highly competitive field of riders who stayed close together until the last corner.
Right in the middle: David Muñoz. The Spaniard started the ninth race of the season from sixth place and experienced a real rollercoaster ride. The position changes happened in rapid succession, making it difficult to keep track of the big leading pack. The 19-year-old KTM rider proved to be self-confident and stayed consistently in the leading group, which initially comprised over 16 riders. Despite some dicey situations, Muñoz kept the upper hand and went into the final lap in fourth place, where things got heated once again. In the end, he crossed the finish line in fifth place and secured eleven valuable championship points, which allowed him to move up two places to eighth in the overall standings.
Local hero Guido Pini experienced a bitter end after a phenomenal catch up race. Pushed by the support of the fans, the Moto3 rookie shot up from 20th on the grid to the top positions within just a few laps. On lap nine, he was briefly in second place. After numerous thrilling overtaking manoeuvres, there was a fateful contact with Joel Kelso on turn 12 of the eleventh lap. Pini crashed, but was very lucky not to be hit by following riders. The disappointment of the retirement at his home Grand Prix was huge, but the youngster's performance undoubtedly deserves great recognition.
There will be a chance for revenge next week as the legendary Dutch TT will take place in Assen, the Netherlands, from the 27th to 29th of June.
Results
Race
1. Maximo QUILES/ SPA/ KTM
2. Alvaro CARPE/ SPA/ KTM – (+0.006)
3. Dennis FOGGIA/ ITA/ KTM – (+0.066)
5. David MUÑOZ/ SPA/ KTM – (+0.212)
DNF
Guido PINI/ ITA/ KTM
World Championship
1. RUEDA Jose Antonio/ SPA – 162
2. PIQUERAS Angel/ SPA – 106
3. CARPE Alvaro/ SPA –105
8. MUÑOZ David/ SPA – 62
16. PINI Guido/ ITA – 29
Team Classification
1. RED BULL KTM AJO – 267
2. FRINSA - MT Helmets – 161
3. LEVELUP-MTA – 140
7. LIQUI MOLY DYNAVOLT INTACT GP – 91
