Iannone goes two-from-two with Japanese 125cc victory

Andrea Iannone took his second victory in as many races in the 125cc Polini Grand Prix of Japan, a race decided as much by tyre choice as by grid positions and bike performance.

With a patchy damp track for the opening laps rapidly drying, riders took their chances on the changeable weather at Twin Ring Motegi. In the early stages of the race those with rubber more apt for fully wet conditions took off in front, with Nico Terol –the only rider on the softest cut Dunlop compound- grabbing the holeshot.

Taking the lead from the second lap, Danny Webb valiantly held on at the front despite rapidly losing tyre life, as the trailing pack closed in. Eight laps before the chequered flag Julián Simón caught up with the Briton, and the race between the riders on slick tyres was on.

Poleman Iannone battled past first Pol Espargaró and then Simón as he chased the third victory of his career. Two weeks after their brief four-lap battle in Qatar, Iannone once again edged out his Spanish rival, who had worked his way up through the field after an atrocious start from the front row.

Ongetta Team I.S.P.A rider Iannone claimed full points this time around, and maintains the lead in the overall standings.

Simón once again played the bridesmaid, whilst Derbi rider Espargaró completed the podium in the second race of 2009.

2008 racewinner Stefan Bradl, Red Bull KTM’s Marc Marquez, Ajo Interwetten rider Sandro Cortese and second Derbi man Joan Olivé were joined by Jonas Folger, Dmonique Aegerter and Bradley Smith in the top ten.