Di Meglio retakes 125cc World Championship lead with Catalunya victory

A Mike di Meglio victory and crashes for two home favourites spoiled the expected Spanish fiesta in Catalunya, as Ajo Motorsport´s French star held his nerve for a second win of 2008 and the leadership of the World Championship.

Di Meglio started from second on the grid, and was the only rider to stick with the local riders in the early stages. His toughest challenge for victory came from Nico Terol, but when the Spaniard crashed on the penultimate lap –shortly after a fall from fellow countryman Joan Olive- the new series leader could breathe a little easier before passing the chequered flag.

In second place with the best result of his career to date, poleman Pol Espargaro was under two-tenths of a second behind Di Meglio, holding off World Champion Gabor Talmacsi and taking his second consecutive podium. The Belson Derbi rider made a late push after stalking the leaders, avoiding a Talmacsi slipstream on the final straight.

Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing´s Stefan Bradl showed his experience of the Catalunya Circuit with fourth place, having learned the intricacies of the track through his time racing in Spain, whilst previous World Championship leader Simone Corsi had a respectable fifth place finish that allowed him to pick up more valuable points.

Scott Redding, Stevie Bonsey and Sandro Cortese also featured in the top ten, ahead of Sergio Gadea in ninth. The Mafre Aspar rider had to come back through the field after being forced wide by Nico Terol on lap eight.

Marc Marquez completed the top ten with the best result of his rookie season, onboard the Repsol KTM.