After high rates of attrition at Phillip Island, the Moto3™ race in Malaysia proved no different – despite the lightweight class having the only race of the day in mostly dry conditions, on slicks. With a crash for no less than four of the initial front group at Turn 7 in the early stages, it was an “in it to win it” – with Jakub Kornfeil (Drive M7 SIC Racing Team) emerging behind eventual winner Francesco Bagnaia (Pull&Bear Aspar Mahindra) to battle Bo Bendsneyder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) over P2.
The race was then red-flagged over two thirds distance and the result counted back to the last full lap completed – when Kornfeil crossed the line ahead of the Dutch rookie, giving the Czech rider his best career result to date - and at the home of the Drive M7 SIC Racing Team.
Jakub Kornfeil (P2): “This is my best career finish in Moto3 and the feeling is amazing! I don’t think it has completely sunk in yet; it still feels like a dream. It was a very difficult race; there was no grip in the tyre. The most important thing was to stay on the bike, study the track because it was changing every lap and be careful to avoid the wet patches. I want to say huge thanks to my team and to SIC [Sepang International Circuit] and all my sponsors and family. Without them I couldn’t do this! I want to dedicate this second place to them. For me this result means a lot; the first podium of the year is always special and especially at the home GP of my team; it’s incredible! To go back home with twenty points is fantastic.”