After a pole position lap from Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) seemed to show a clear advantage for the Frenchman over his key title rival Alex Rins ahead of lights out in Misano, Sunday dawned with a more problematic race than anticipated for the reigning champion. Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40), however, fought back from a little further off the front row than he is used to, made his way through to lead and then escaped at the front as those behind started to battle it out.
Rins broke his collarbone in a training crash ahead of the British GP at Silverstone, just after having gained a significant points haul on leader Zarco in the standings when the Frenchman crossed the line in P11 in Brno. Seeming like hope was lost, Rins fought through the pain barrier in the UK to come seventh - whilst Zarco and Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) clashed on track and neither scored points. Putting in another superhuman ride with his injured collarbone in Misano, the Spaniard crossed the line in second behind a late charge from Lorenzo Baldassarri (Forward Racing) - with Zarco off the podium in P4. It sets up an incredible countdown to the season finale in Valencia in November, with 5 races remaining and only 3 points difference at the top.
Alex Rins (P2): "I decided to push from the start. When I saw them beginning to fight in the group I thought the best thing to do would be try and escape. I got to the front and got into my rhythm to get some distance little-by-little. At the end when Baldassarri arrived I had a few places I could have taken him back, but I went wide and ended up not being able to. But we gained points on the leader, so we're satisfied!"