After winning the opening race in Qatar, Tom Lüthi (Garage Plus Interwetten) then had a more difficult year mid-season than some of his key rivals for the Moto2™ World Championship – but came back strong after missing the Czech GP through injury; winning 3 races out of six once back on track. With a 22 point deficit going into Sepang, the task was a big one - and it was Championship leader Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) who won the Malaysian GP, from pole, with Lüthi coming home sixth.
Although it wasn’t quite enough to take the title down to Valencia, Lüthi has nevertheless leapt up the standings and is now a clear favourite to take the title of runner-up – and the Swiss rider is focused on doing just that, and taking another victory in the final race of the year.
Tom Lüthi (P6): "What Johann did in qualifying and the race is impressive. My start wasn't bad but in the first and then second corner, Baldassari touched me two times and I lost a few positions. Then it wasn't enjoyable later: the rear was locking in every corner, I was risking a crash a few times. With the rain at the beginning of the race it was less bad than in the mixed conditions at the end; today, given the tricky conditions, I learned new things again. Overall the overseas tour was good with two victories and this second position in the overall classification being consolidated. Now the focus is on the last round in Valencia."