Masbou steps up the pace at Assen

Alexis Masbou continues to learn the intricacies of Grand Prix racing at a steady pace. On Saturday, the young Frenchman ran an impressive race at the Van Drenthe circuit in Assen, mixing it up with the best riders of the 125cc class to fight for the podium.

"I had a good start and I was able to ride at the front, fighting with the top riders – it's the first time I've managed to do that this year," said Masbou. "At one point I tried to go up to second and so I followed Lüthi for a while. "But soon the rest of group passed me and I remained behind to save my tyres for the end of the race, but also to gain experience as riding behind quick riders is always helpful."

As one of the contenders for the ‘rookie of the year' award – alongside Japanese team-mate Tomoyoshi Aoayama – Masbou had a proper taste of the frontrunners pace, but in the end was unable to fight for the podium. The Ajo Motorsport rider was pleased with fifth, a result that gives him hope for the future.

"With five or sixth laps to go, Pasini made many mistakes and we lost the front group. We managed to come back on the penultimate lap. I would have needed to overtake two or three riders to make it onto the podium, but I couldn't. Anyway, in those conditions fifth is a great result," concluded the reigning 125cc French Champion.